COLD LAKE – Three organizations will receive a combined ,000 through the City of Cold Lake’s Community Recreation, Art, Culture and Heritage (CRACH) Investment Grant Program, supporting initiatives ranging from mental health services to a major winter hockey tournament and a veterans’ event.

Cold Lake City Council approved the Community Grant Advisory Committee’s July recommendations at its Aug. 11 regular meeting.

The largest grant went to Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, with council approving $10,000 in support of the 2027 Winterland Invitational.

The event is a large-scale youth hockey tournament held in Cold Lake, bringing teams and families into the community while raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta.

Council approved the request after correcting an error in the recommendation presented in the agenda package. Administration explained that while the committee had recommended $10,000, one section of the documentation incorrectly showed the amount as $2,500.

Council approved the intended $10,000 contribution.

The Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre will receive $3,500 for its Charity Golf Classic.

Dragonfly provides counselling, advocacy and support services in the Lakeland, including services for people impacted by sexual violence and other forms of trauma.

The third grant provides $2,500 to the True Patriot Love Foundation in support of the Canadian Walk for Veterans.

The national initiative brings communities together to recognize Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families.

Cold Lake’s close relationship with 4 Wing Cold Lake makes the veterans’ initiative a natural fit for the community.

The City’s CRACH program provides funding through several grant streams to support community organizations, events, recreation, arts, culture and heritage initiatives.

The Community Grant Advisory Committee first reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to City Council. Council then makes the final decision on whether to approve the grants.

All three July recommendations, including the corrected $10,000 amount for Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, were approved by council at the Aug. 11 meeting.