New RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund calls for applications$50,000 fund takes successful in-school program to the community
TORONTO, August 18, 2008 — The new RBC Wicket
Cricket Community Fund, which will support programs and projects
to make the sport more accessible to Canadian youth, today
began accepting grant applications for 2008.
"Cricket is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada,"
said Mark Whitmell, director, Cultural Markets, RBC. "When
we launched the RBC Wicket Cricket program earlier this year,
1,300 classrooms registered for equipment and resources to
help introduce and teach the sport to an estimated 35,000
school children. Building on that success, the new RBC Wicket
Cricket Community Fund will extend our support beyond the
classroom and fill a need at the community level by providing
funding to establish youth cricket programs."
Community organizations may be eligible for an RBC Wicket
Cricket Community Fund grant if they provide a safe and welcoming
environment for cricket; build awareness for the sport within
their community; show strong community management with solid
participation; and/or, demonstrate innovation in program delivery.
"With the support of the new RBC Wicket Cricket Community
Fund, organizations like ours can reach out to promote cricket
to youth in and beyond schools, and involve more kids in the
game," said Hugh Brodie, president of Pirates of the
St. Lawrence Cricket Club in Montreal.
Grants will range from $500 - $1,000 each, up to a total
of $50,000. Funding will be based on budget and need, preference
will be given to programs or projects that are at the grassroots
level, focus on young people 4 - 17 years of age, have the
potential to improve the game of cricket in their communities,
and show evidence of long-term sustainability.
Whitmell noted that RBC created the Fund to help promote,
develop and grow the sport of cricket which is an integral
part of the cultural heritage and identity of many Canadians
and new immigrants, as well as enabling them to coach and
play a sport many enjoyed prior to coming to Canada. This
program is part of RBC's ongoing efforts to build deeper connections
with multicultural communities in Canada.
Grant applications will be accepted until October 31, 2008.
For more information about the RBC Cricket Community Fund,
or to apply for a grant, please visit: www.rbc.com/cricket.
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For more information, please contact:
Jackie Braden, RBC, Media Relations, 416-974-2124
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