After almost 35 years in the community of Grande Prairie, the Troyanda Society of Ukrainian Culture & Heritage continues to grow and prosper. The Society strives to provide programs and services that honor the culture and traditions of the Ukraine. Our Troyanda dancers are the most well known part of our society. In addition to performing at Troyanda’s special events, the Troyanda dancers perform in support of other community organizations. They appear at the QE II Festival of Trees, the Trumpeter Hotel Seniors Christmas Dinner, Canada Day Celebrations, and many others. Our dancers have attended festivals and competitions in Peace River, Vermilion, Calgary, St. Paul, Lloydminster, Edmonton, and Jasper.

The Troyanda Society contributes to the community in many important ways:

-      By striving to support arts and cultural events throughout the area

-      Providing entertainment for many charity events and celebrations

-      Preparing and delivering workshops in local schools

-      Hosting many events such as Malanka, Vitaemo Festival, Spring concert and Ukranian Christmas which bring the community together

Proceeds from the lottery will go to:

-      Reducing the mortgage on their studio facility

-      Purchasing costumes needed for performances

HIV North Society is a non-profit AIDS service organization that has been serving individuals in the Peace Country for 24 years.  Their primary responsibility is to support community based programs and provide leadership in the fight against HIV/ AIDS through awareness, prevention and advocacy.  Proceeds from the lottery will be used to support these programs.

Each year HIV North and the Scotiabank partner to present the AIDS Walk for Life.  This year’s walk will take place September 22, 2012 at Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie.  If your interested in participating or volunteering please visit them at www.hivnorth.org or check them out on Facebook.

This year’s lottery will support 14 non-profit groups including the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of GP Association.  Here’s a little more on this group.

The Vision:  Every Child in Canada Who Needs a Mentor, Has a Mentor.

Consider the benefits children in our programs gain:
91% feel better about themselves.
65% have improved self-confidence.
67% have a better sense of right and wrong.
76% show improved school grades.
80% have a better school attendance record.
82% develop better relationships with their teacher.
90% get along better with other kids.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grande Prairie has served the community for more than 16 years and has made a difference in the lives of young people by providing a friend where one is needed.

 They are committed to serving children and youth by providing them with quality mentoring relationships with volunteers. They are currently serving 50 children in the Grande Prairie Area.

Currently in Canada, over 27,000 children are matched with adults in one-to-one programs. The challenge is to find matches for the 10,000 kids on our waiting lists.

The scope of programs has expanded over the years and now includes traditional matches, in-school mentoring, group activities and more!

They are proud of their achievements and strive to continue developing programs to serve more children in Grande Prairie & Area.

Proceeds from the lottery would help to:

-       Support programs including the school mentoring program

-       Held provide course materials

-       Support training costs

Check out the new promotional video for the Cash and Camping Lottery…just hit our doorstep today!

Today Jessie got a chance to speak with a volunteer from the Saskatoon Ag Society and find out a bit about how they are positively impacted by the Cash and Camping Lottery.

Interview with the Saskatoon Ag Society by SwanCityPulse

This is Dustin Venables, he bought 3 tickets for $100 and scratched $500 this weekend! Pretty good day for him and we’re pretty sure he’s glad that he stopped by the prize display building! Come get your tickets in the parking lot of The Great Northern Casino.

A big thank-you to the partner groups and volunteers that joined us on Saturday to help stuff envelopes for the 2011 Cash and Camping mail-out campaign.  Without the support of our countless volunteers we would not be in a position to support the many great organization and causes year after year!

The Cash and Camping Super Lottery officially launches on April 7th but we thought we’d give you a sneak peek, behind the scenes look at some of the work that goes into setting up this gigantic tent.  A big thank you to Jessie for the tour and of course an even bigger thank-you to everyone that helped set up the tent & prizes!

Today we received approval from the Apple App store for the Swan City Pulse iPhone App. Download it at www.road.ie/pulse and don’t forget that there’s also an Android app for you non iPhone lovers!

Today at the Swan City Rotary Club checks were presented to the recipients of the Cars for Christmas Mega Lottery.

Listen to the interviews posted below to hear the recipients express their gratitude and to inform us on how the funds will be spent.

Lottery recipients by SwanCityPulse

Camp tamarrack by SwanCityPulse