Flagstaff Family and Community Services (FFCS) has a unique fund that is in place to help area families with the high costs of recreational activities for youth.

The money comes from Killam’s Twice Nice store, as they annually donate a sum to FFCS.

FFCS Director Lynne Jenkinson said that the fund was under-utilized when it was first started, but is helping a lot more people now.

“It is a great opportunity. All they have to do is write a letter to me, stating the issue, and what they need paid for,” said Jenkinson.

She added that there is usually a cap of $300 per family each year.

Families are eligible to apply for funding for any children they may have under the age of 18, and they do not need to be in any certain income bracket.

“We have paid swimming fees, soccer fees, hockey fees, dance fees, or a portion thereof,” said Jenkinson.

“We have been requested to pay for summer camps, like Hardisty Lake United Church camp, but they usually find subsidies elsewhere for that.”

Jenkinson added that summer is a busy time for funding, and several applications are received for programs such as the Summer Fun program in Killam.

“The donation from Twice Nice has assisted numerous Flagstaff Families and is very much appreciated,” she said.

The funds are only in place until they run out, and then the funding opportunity is closed until the next year.

Jenkinson said that thus far, the donation from the Twice Nice store is all that is used for the fund, but if anyone is interested in giving for the cause, they would be able to add to the total.

However, there are no tax receipts available for such donations.

FFCS is now a partner in Canadian Tire Jumpstart, which offers subsidies for sports programs for youth.

Jenkinson noted that they have not yet had any applications for the Jumpstart program, so there may be some kinks to work out for the first while.

That program, unlike the Twice Nice fund, requires income tax information.