Candice Hoeppner

Earlier this week, two Portage la Prairie-based organizations shared about $600,000 of federal government money.

The Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre and Portage Community Revitalization Corporation split the funding evenly, with a focus on reducing domestic violence and increasing economic security for women.

The announcement was made by Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Hoeppner, who feels helping grassroots organizations is extremely important in dealing with domestic violence, because it has a greater impact. She calls this substantial funding that's money well spent, with benefits to the whole region.

Hoeppner notes there's no commitment for ongoing funding to both organizations, adding what's key is achieving set goals that have a positive impact on the region. She says the funding reflects the government's recognition of the work being done in rural areas on the issue of violence against women.

Hoeppner stresses many men also want to help eliminate the violence, and is happy both organizations realize that.