More than 250 not for profit organizations across B.C. Community Gaming Grants are available to support public safety and environmental conservation programs.
“This funding helps not-for-profit organizations continue to provide vital programming and supports to people so they can thrive and feel safer and healthier in their communities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are supporting local organizations that are committed to a wide range of activities that enhance the environment and improve public safety, including search and rescue, restorative justice, conservation and wildlife preservation, and more.”
This year, the Province will provide approximately $4.9 million to 135 organizations in the environmental-sector sector. These programs enable people to learn about, connect to, and enhance and preserve the environment.
Here are some examples of programs that have been funded:
- The Georgia Strait Alliance, Nanaimo, provides ocean literacy, species conservation and green boating education.
- Maplewood Flats Conservation area, North Vancouver. Public education programs and restoration.
- Education, advocacy and outreach, well-being, and the cat-sanctuary programme through the Regional Animal Protection Society of Richmond.
“Funding and grants are essential to our ability to do the necessary work to deepen connections within coastal communities around environmental stewardship and increase interest and awareness around regional issues in the Canadian waters of the Salish Sea and inland waters, which ultimately intersect and help support the health of communities, their economies and the overall environment,” said Christianne Wilhelmson, executive director, Georgia Strait Alliance.
For their community-led programs, organizations that provide emergency and safety services are getting approximately $5.5million. These include volunteer firefighting and search and rescue, restorative justice and volunteer firefighting.
Some examples of programs that were funded include:
- Providing Community Restorative Justice through the Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society
- Training, equipment and gear for Ground Search and Rescue Program; and, the purchase of two all terrain vehicles and two trailers by the Vernon Search and Rescue Group Society.
- Training, equipment and gear to support the Marine Search and Rescue program and two outboard boat engines purchased by the Fraser Marine Rescue Society of Richmond.
“The Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society provides support for court diversion to nearby communities, as well as facilitator training and support for other similar programs,” said Doug McPhee, program co-ordinator. “Funding from sources like Community Gaming Grants and the valued contributions of volunteers provide restorative justice groups in our area the opportunity to operate at a modest level and provide a valued service in our communities.”
Community Gaming Grants provide $140million annually from gaming revenues for nearly 5,000 not-for profit organizations that deliver services to B.C. residents. communities.
Quick facts:
- Every year, the revenue from commercial gaming funds vital government programs and services in B.C. communities.
- Community Gaming Grants, in addition to environmental conservation and public safety, fund arts, culture, sport, human and social services. schools.
- Eligible organizations may apply each year for one or more of the six Community Gaming Grants sectors, as well a capital-project grant.
Learn more:
Online, you can find a complete list of recipients for grants in the public safety and environment.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG_YTD_Apr_Dec_21_PublicSafety_Env.pdf
For more information on the response of Community Gaming Grants to the COVID-19 pandemic click here
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggupdates
Stronger BC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/
Visit: for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, and government response. www.gov.bc.ca/covid19