EDMONTON, May 22, 2014 /CNW/ - Alberta Blue Cross will award four more $50,000 grants in 2014 to community groups and organizations across Alberta for projects that promote health and wellness.
The grants are part of the Alberta Blue Cross Healthy Communities Grant Program, through which the organization is committing $1 million over five years to support and promote active living in communities across Alberta. This is the second year of the program.
"We had a fantastic response to this program last year from across the province, and we're glad to see that it's already making a positive difference in the communities we serve," says Brian Geislinger, vice-president of Corporate Relations with Alberta Blue Cross. In 2013, projects funded through the program included new outdoor exercise equipment in Blackfalds, a new school playground in Edmonton, new outdoor sports courts in Calgary and a new toddler play area for Cold Lake.
"At Alberta Blue Cross, we have a unique focus on serving the health of Albertans—and as an Alberta-based organization, our focus is really on serving the communities in which we live," says Geislinger. "Programs like this really reinforce our commitment."
Community leagues, school councils, municipalities, seniors associations or other non-profit community-based groups or organizations in need for funding for relevant projects are invited to apply for a grant. Projects can range from the new construction or replacement of children's playgrounds and outdoor adult gyms to cycling paths and walking trails.
Funding for the program comes from the ABC Benefits Corporation Foundation, which was established by Alberta Blue Cross in 1998 in conjunction with its 50th anniversary.
Information and application forms are available at www.ab.bluecross.ca. The application deadline for this year's grants is Aug. 31, 2014.
As an Alberta-based, not-for-profit organization, Alberta Blue Cross covers more than 1.6 million Albertans. Earlier this month, Alberta Blue Cross was ranked as one of Alberta's Top 10 Most Loved Brands in recognition of the organization's role supporting the health of Albertans.
In 2013, Alberta Blue Cross processed over 46.7 million claim lines with a value exceeding $2.04 billion
Image with caption: "Alberta Blue Cross (CNW Group/Alberta Blue Cross)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140522_C9263_PHOTO_EN_40587.jpg
SOURCE: Alberta Blue Cross
Jaclyn Spurrell, communications officer, Alberta Blue Cross at 780-498-8255 or [email protected].
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