Regina, SK – Access Communications Co-operative (Access) is proud to announce that its registered charity, the Access Communications Children’s Fund (ACCF), donated $815,752 in 2023, to 87 recipients. This is the largest single year for donations in the ACCF’s history.
“This was a special year for the Children’s Fund,” said Carmela Haines, President & CEO of Access. “The Access Communications Children’s Fund TV Bingo saw a rise in interest during the pandemic. This has allowed us to make a significant impact in our province, this year, for children at risk or in need.”
The ACCF provides funding to non-profit organizations that help children at risk, in need, or are our most vulnerable. The funds are targeted for three key areas:
1. Health and wellness
2. Education and literacy
3. Social inclusion
One of the organizations supported was a capital project for the SCEP Centre in Regina, an organization that is an intensive early intervention preschool program, which supports children with complex needs and offers guidance and support for their parents/caregivers.
"SCEP CENTRE - Early Intervention and Training Services has been providing intensive, therapeutic support to young children and their families for over 55 years,” said Shauna Forbes, Executive Director of the SCEP Centre. “With this very generous donation to our program from Access Communications Children's Fund, we have been able to continue our commitment to providing support to some of Regina's most vulnerable children and families. Access Communications Children's Fund has supported our program for many years in various ways! Thank you so much for your continued generosity!"
Access was also proud to support the “Break Room” at Bready School in North Battleford. This sensory room is designed to support everyone from students with specific needs, to those who need a moment to practice mindfulness and regulation.
“The Bready Break Room, also known as the sensory room, is nearly complete and has already proven to be a valuable addition to Bready School. Every student looks forward to time in this multi-purpose space for a variety of reasons – to reset, to be active, to energize, to be ready to learn, to regulate, to calm, to cooperate, to connect with others, to restore, or to have fun,” said Rhonda Simon, Principal at Bready School. The generous donation from Access Communications Children's Fund has truly been appreciated - without it, students would not benefit from this room for many months yet. Our committee was emotional upon news of the donation, as we knew what it meant to us and what it would mean to students. Many thanks, on behalf of all staff of students.”
The ACCF’s main source of funding comes from player cards purchased for Access Communications Children’s Fund TV Bingo, which airs Saturdays at 5 p.m. on all AccessNow TV Community Channels and the AccessNow TV app. The funds are administered by a volunteer board of directors and allocations committee. You can find out more about the ACCF by visiting: https://www.myaccess.ca/childrens-fund.