Four local organizations received funds through the Zellstoff Celgar Community Sponsorship program on Monday.
Jim Crockett, manager of recreation for Castlegar and District Recreation Department, and Kevin Anderson, general manager for Zellstoff Celgar, presented $1000 cheques to Curtis Klashinsky, president of Castlegar Minor Hockey, Corinne Postnikoff, treasurer of the Castlegar Skating Club, and Mike Johnstone, president of the Castlegar Rebels. There was also a cheque for the Selkirk Saints.
Castlegar and District Recreation Commission entered into a five-year partnership with Zellstoff Celgar back in 2013. In exchange for displaying its logos on the sides, top and front of the commission's Zamboni, Celgar contributes just over $10,000 a year, $1000 of which is donated to each of the four ice user groups.
“As well we ... take a portion of it and ... we us that for no or low-income assistance to get kids involved in activities and sports,” said Crockett.
A portion is also put aside in a reserve fund to save for a future Zamboni.