When problem gambling is the subject of a play, essay contest, advertising campaign, support group or school presentation in the community, chances are the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation (NSGF) may be funding the project. One of the many ways the NSGF works to mitigate the undesirable effects of gambling is to give annual grants to Community Health Board’s. Recently, the Foundation distributed more than $90,000.00 to 37 Community Health Boards (CHBs) across Nova Scotia, each one receiving a grant for $2,400 to help address problem gambling at the community level in 2008 - 2009.
Recently, a Foundation-sponsored CHB initiative made a big splash (no pun intended) across the entire province, garnering air time on Global Television Maritimes and finding its way to the popular video-sharing website, YouTube. So what’s all the fuss about? This highly-effective, but frank anti-gambling message, was filmed in a restroom! “Down the Drain” was the 1st place winner of The Big Money Video Contest, a youth-oriented video contest offered by the Pictou County Health Authority with funding from the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation. According to CHB Coordinator, Patti Ryan, “the quality of the entries was very impressive and each one had the edge necessary to get young people’s attention about problem gambling.”
Other Foundation-funded Community Health Board projects supporting community initiatives across Nova Scotia include:
Lunenburg: The Second Story Women’s Centre has produced and distributed public relations/advertising materials promoting their weekly problem gambling support group for women.
Digby: Local residents are becoming more aware of the 24-hour Problem Gambling Helpline since a 4’x 8’ sign featuring the toll-free telephone number went on display at the Digby Arena.
Annapolis, Central Kings, Eastern Kings, Kingston/Greenwood and Western Kings: Five grants pooled together made for one big contribution to start-up funding for two Gambling Anonymous groups in the Annapolis Valley area.
Along-the-Shore, East Hants, North Shore, Truro and South Colchester: A brochure called “Wager on Wellness: Alternatives to Gambling for a Healthy Retirement is now being circulated for seniors.
Halifax Peninsula: “Games, Gambling and You” is an 8-week series of information workshops at the Mulgrave Park Caring and Learning Centre. The program includes financial presentations, interactive workshops, videos, meditation and resource information sharing.
Dartmouth: The Freedom Foundation to develop a case study that will assist with future programming. The Freedom Foundation provides safe housing for male adults while teaching life, treatment and recovery skills.
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For more information contact:
Barbara Madic
Communications Coordinator
Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation
(902) 424-2147
madicbl@gov.ns.ca
www.nsgamingfoundation.org
