The 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer received a huge boost Thursday afternoon, thanks to the Alberta Culture and Tourism’s Community Initiatives Program.

The way the Games qualified for the grant, was to raise about $50,000, and the government would match that donation.

Thanks to a very generous community, the fundraising goal was met, and Thursday afternoon at the Canada Winter Games headquarters in Red Deer, a cheque for an additional $50,000 was presented by MLA for Red Deer North Kim Schreiner.

The money is going towards purchasing new equipment for the gymnastic and Judo programs.

Lyn Radford, Chair of the 2019 Canada Winter Games says the impact of that donation will be felt long after the games are over.

"Quite often people ask us, why are you hosting games? But the benefits to the community is these type of leveraging opportunities, and this is just one example of how we are leveraging them and help clubs out. Because for clubs to fundraise for a $100,000 worth of equipment is sometimes a monumental task for them, so if we can just help out in anyway, there we are."

The 2019 Canada Winter Games will be held from February 15th until March 3rd, 2019 in Red Deer. It’s the largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth in Canada, as well as the largest even to be hosted in Red Deer's history.

The Games will welcome around 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches, as well as an expected 100,000 spectators.

It's forecasted to have an economic impact of over $132 million for the community.