Regina, SK – Access Communications Co-operative (Access) is excited to announce the Access Communications Children's Fund has surpassed $3M in donations since its inception in 1992. The milestone is part of the release of the organization's 2023 Community Report.
"Core to our values is being community-oriented, and our 2023 Community Report highlights the work of our dedicated staff, board, members, and volunteers," said Carmela Haines, President and CEO of Access. "We are a Saskatchewan-owned co-operative, committed to reinvesting 100 percent of our profits back into the 235 communities and 200,000 sq km of rural areas we serve. I am pleased to share this report and the positive impact of our community investment."
2023 Report Highlights:
- 100 communities with AccessNow TV community channels
- Over 1,100 community groups supported
- 39 charitable donation recipients in the non-profit sector
- $288,000 donated through the Access Communications Children's Fund last year
- $400,000 in scholarships awarded since 2005
- 2, 245 hours of local programming through AccessNow TV
- 20,000 burgers served during the Summer BBQ Tour
- Over $515,000 raised on live telethons for various organizations
- Over $500,000 in TV Bingo prize money
- 3,088 volunteer hours fueled community programming
- 2,700 guests enjoyed the Community Rink
The report details Access's impact through its three pillars: the community programming on AccessNow TV, the Access Communications Children's Fund, plus corporate sponsorship and initiatives.
AccessNow TV is in over 100 communities and provides a platform to connect and empower our diverse province. Over 71 percent of the programming is locally produced, covering everything from telethons to cultural content and local sports.
"The coverage that Access provides our fanbase through PatsTV is incredible thanks to their hard work, dedicated staff, and volunteers. They do a great job bringing the action into the home of our amazing community," said Gord Pritchard, CEO of the Regina Pats.
The Access Communications Children's Fund was established in 1992 to support our province's children in need or at risk. Last year, almost $290,000 was donated across Saskatchewan.
"We work diligently to provide children and youth in our community with quality, engaging opportunities and this partnership between us and the Children's Fund was a major part of that," said Erin Roussin, Director of Operations, Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton.
Access's corporate support covers everything from event sponsorship to broadcasting telethons on AccessNow TV.
"Working with Access has been amazing. It was great having Access partner on our Skating with the Stars afternoon to hand out some free swag to the kids, as well as the BBQ. They are always willing to go the extra mile for the club as well as the community," said Kennedy Schmidt, Marketing and Office Manager, Battlefords North Stars Hockey Club.
The full 2023 Access Communications Community Report is available here: https://www.myaccess.ca/about-access/our-organization/publications.