NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008TCA0095-001265 Aug. 20, 2008	Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
PORT COQUITLAM EVENT SHARES IN BC150 CELEBRATION GRANTS

PORT COQUITLAM – The 801 Wing (Vancouver) of the Air Force Association of Canada will receive a $7,500 BC150 Celebration Grant to recognize the contributions of army and navy veterans, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Bill Bennett announced today.

 

“Our province is full of fascinating stories – from the rich history and culture of British Columbia's First Nations, to our gold rush explorers and homesteaders – - and on to our 21st-century achievers,” said Bennett. “These local BC150 celebrations help share our stories with each other and the world.”

 

BC150 Celebration Grants support the BC150 pillars of heritage, communities, multiculturalism, Aboriginal people, and arts and culture, and reflect the unique nature of each British Columbia community.

 

            On Sept. 14, the 801 Wing will dedicate a monument in Vancouver’s Jericho Park to recognize the significant role of military personnel, who served at both the Jericho Beach Flying Boat Station and North Jericho, in the development of B.C. The 801 Wing will also re-install a commemorative plaque, which originally was dedicated by former Lieutenant Governor Clarence Wallace.

 

To qualify for a BC150 Celebration Grant, organizations must be non-profit, operate primarily for community benefit and have a voluntary, broad-based membership. Organizations can apply until Aug. 31, 2008. Grants of up to $10,000 are available through the Ministry of Housing and Social Development. For more information on BC150 Grants, please visit www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/bc150.htm.

 

BC150 is a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia in 1858. Every community in B.C. is invited to participate in this year-long celebration of the province’s cultural diversity, community strength and widespread achievement. For more information on BC150 programs and events, visit www.BC150.ca.

-30-

Media contact:	David Greer Communications Manager Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts 250 387-2799
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.