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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
“Volunteers in every corner of the
Province generously give their time, money, and efforts to their communities,”
said Premier Campbell. “Volunteers coach minor soccer; they organize arts festivals;
they work tirelessly for charities that benefit everyone. Volunteers are the
heart and soul of
The BC150 Volunteer Incentive Program (BC150 VIP) will honour 30,000 eligible British Columbian volunteers who donate their time to a charitable event with a $50 donation in their name. The program will start now and run until Dec. 31, 2009. All volunteers for eligible events will receive a congratulatory card from the Premier.
“Every day thousands of British Columbians volunteer countless hours for charity, non-profit and community organizations to make our province a better place to live,” said Minister of Housing and Social Development Rich Coleman. “BC150 VIP is our government’s way of recognizing and saying ‘thank you’ to volunteers who are giving back to their communities.”
Funding for the recognition effort
is provided through the Community Gaming Grants program. Across
Community Gaming Grants distribute gaming revenues to a broad range of programs and services, in areas such as arts, culture, sports, environment, human and social services, public safety, and parent advisory councils at schools.
In order to qualify for BC150 VIP, a community organization must plan a special fundraising or awareness event that is not in support of regular programs. A limit of 100 contributions will be made by the Province on behalf of volunteers to any one organization. In addition, the organization must be eligible for a community gaming grant.
Starting Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, applications for BC150 VIP will be available online at http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/bc150-volunteer.htm or by calling the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch at 250 387-5311. All BC150 VIP events must conclude by Dec. 31, 2009.
During the 2007/08 fiscal year, $145.2 million in gaming grants were distributed to about 6,700 community organizations throughout B.C. For lists of grant recipients, application deadlines and other information on the gaming industry, please visit http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/news/index.htm
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 604 307-7177 |
Communications Director Ministry of Housing and Social Development 250 387-6489 |
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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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