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Balance key to thriving community

Last week, the Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre approached the Town of St. Paul for $27,000 in financial assistance to help keep its doors open for a few months, while the board hopes federal funding will come through this spring.

Last week, the Mannawanis Native Friendship Centre approached the Town of St. Paul for $27,000 in financial assistance to help keep its doors open for a few months, while the board hopes federal funding will come through this spring.

The delay in funding will result in services being cut back, and support for some of society’s most vulnerable being a little harder to come by. Although many people may never seek the services provided at the centre, such as the soup kitchen or food bank, or attend some of the meetings housed in the centre, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, these services are no doubt crucial to many others.

The friendship centre is just one example of social responsibility that exists in the area. It offers and facilitates important services, and is essential to creating a harmonious community.

Town council’s hesitant response to the centre’s request opened the door for a few thoughts and considerations.

Later in the meeting, council briefly discussed and approved a request from the St. Paul Football Club for up to $25,000 for lights. While this cause is equally worthy, and the club is a long-standing group that has supported countless youth over the years, it’s an example of how our municipalities must be vigilant about keeping a balance.

Another example is the St. Paul Animal Shelter, a group that has been struggling to offer services that are undoubtedly needed in our area. The organization is so close, yet still struggling at times to keep above water in its quest to build a new facility and resume operations. The shelter is another prime example of social responsibility.

Last week, a large music festival was announced for the community, with the Town of St. Paul supporting that initiative with $50,000 – coincidently, that is the exact same amount the animal shelter needs to move ahead with Phase 1 of its new facility.

Although this too is a worthy cause to support, with the festival offering the community a chance to celebrate, gather, and stimulate the local economy for what will no doubt be a busy weekend in town, it again points to the importance of balance.

There is a clear need to invest municipal money into initiatives of all types, be it recreation, entertainment, and those that serve people in need. These are all key pieces to making our community thrive.




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