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VICTORIA – About
228 non-profit organizations that work hard to ensure safer and more
environmentally friendly communities in the province have received community
gaming grants totalling more than $7.5 million, Solicitor General John Les and
Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.
“Many of these
grants support the invaluable contributions made by safety
volunteers across the province through the funding of programs and services to enhance disaster
relief and emergency preparedness,” said Les. “The funding helps organizations
equip and train teams to respond effectively to a wide variety of
life-threatening situations on the water, in the air and on the ground.”
One Langley-based
group is receiving funding for a versatile portable radio system that extends
the reach of communication equipment, which is critical to search and rescue
efforts. Another volunteer fire-fighting group in Wells B.C. will use the grant
to purchase or replace outdated safety equipment and breathing apparatus.
As well as gaming
grants to enhance public safety, B.C. communities will also benefit from
environment sector grants to support programs that enhance the environment or
protect the welfare of animals and wildlife.
“I’m pleased to
be able to provide support to a large number of dedicated, environmentally
conscious groups across the province,” said Penner. “Their efforts are
instrumental in positioning British Columbia as a world leader in
sustainability and responsible environmental management.”
A program in Rock Creek will use grant funding for their plant program
that educates the public about noxious invasive plants through workshops and by
installing signage identifying various plant forms at parks and other
recreational areas. In Maple Ridge, the
money will be used to run a shelter that provides care to abandoned, neglected
and abused animals. Once healthy, the animals are adopted out to new homes.
To be eligible
for grants, recipients must be non-profit, provide a direct service to the
community, and deliver programs and services established and maintained by
volunteers. Long-term community benefits must also result from the program.
Public safety and environment sector gaming grants are distributed to eligible
organizations once a year at the end of November.
Funding for these sectors is part of the $147.6 million in gaming grants which will be shared this year by approximately 6,850 community organizations across the province. For a complete list of organizations receiving these grants and other information on how gaming revenue benefits British Columbians, go to www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/.
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Communication Officer Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch 250 952-6652 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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