Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation

Community Futures Development Corporation (2005)

September 23rd, 2005
Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre

Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) is pleased to announce the recipient of the annual Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation. Winnipeg River Brokenhead Community Futures Development Corporation has been awarded the honour for their project, Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre. The Centre operates a unique second hand store and delivers training and social development programming for at-risk youth, the unemployed, the disabled, and disadvantaged.

“The Minister’s Award for Excellence and Innovation celebrates the very best of the Community Futures initiative – people coming together to play an active role in the future of their communities,” said Minister Alcock. “I’m very pleased to present this award to the volunteers, board members and staff of this organization.”

The award is sponsored by Western Economic Diversification Canada and recognizes an outstanding economic development project undertaken by one of Manitoba’s 16 CFDCs.

“Mrs. Lucci’s is another great example of the broad range of assistance Community Futures Development Corporations can provide,” said Jason Denbow, General Manager of Community Futures Partners of Manitoba, the association of Manitoba’s 16 CFDCs. “With the help of Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC, residents in Lac Du Bonnet and the surrounding region now have access to much-needed services that are now available under the umbrella of this innovative social enterprise.

Mrs. Lucci’s Resource Centre is a non-profit organization and includes a resource information area, a teaching café, and a multi-purpose room where programs are delivered on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Healthy Child Manitoba, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training, Sunrise School Division, and the North Eastman Health Association. They are currently providing services to 115 individuals and 145 families.

The Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC project was one of two nominations for this year’s award. The other submission was a Flin Flon tourism initiative submitted by Greenstone CFDC.

Supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Community Futures Initiative strengthens rural economies by providing small-business loans and assisting entrepreneurs through counseling and training. Each Community Futures Development Corporation delivers a variety of services ranging from local strategic economic planning, technical and advisory services to businesses, loans to small and medium-sized businesses, self-employment assistance programs, and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Community Futures Partners of Manitoba Inc. (CFPM) is an association representing the 16 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) established throughout rural Manitoba.