An historic day for the Safe Places initiative in Swift Current yesterday afternoon.

The program which is designed to reduce potential risks to children and youth, has now reached 1,000 individuals that have become Safe Places - Youth Certified.

"It's great to see the way the community has supported it and endorsed it," said the Co-founder of Safe Places and former Mayor of Swift Current Jerrod Schafer. "I think what is more overwhelming for me, is the way lots of organziations and businesses have jumped on board, I think that's a big reason why we're at 1,000 certifications."

During the press conference that was held at the Center, it was also announced that the Safe Places Committee has established a new Community Ambassador Program.

The program was developed to recognize local Safe Places "champions", while also helping spread the word about the initiative that was unveiled on January 8th, 2016 during the public screening of Sheldon Kennedy's documentary Swift Current.

Executive Director of the Center, Nathan Wiebe, was named as the first Safe Places Community Ambassador.

"Safe Places is something we saw as an important initiative for us to get on top of," he said after the announcement. "Especially because we're a youth centre that takes the safety of our youth at the highest importance within our community. We wanted to make sure, we were standing up to what we were telling the public we were about, and this is something that show that we were willing to take the extra step."

Although Sheldon Kennedy was unable to attend the announcements he said the following through a City of Swift Current press release.

"I can honestly say, I never saw a day like this coming," he said. "But with your perseverance, leadership and a willingness to use the past to improve the future, you have taken a critical step to further protect our youth. You have also set an example for other communities across Canada. Today, I am with you in spirit and I congratulate you on your 1000th Safe Places certification. That is a HUGE and important accomplishment, be proud."

For more information visit www.SafePlacesSK.ca on the community initiative.