New funding for conservation, public safety boosts community programs

Editor's Note -- congrats to Baker Creek Enhancement Society of Quesnel, West Chilcotin SAR of Tatla Lake and Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservation Society, Williams Lake Field Naturalists, Invasive Species Society of BC and Potato House Sustainable Community Society, all of Williams Lake, Horsefly VFD and McLeese Lake VFD for being successful on receiving BC Community Gaming Grants - Environment/Public Safety envelope

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Non-profits are receiving more than $11 million from B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants to boost conservation and public safety programs that will benefit British Columbians around the province. 

“Our government is committed to supporting local organizations involved in a wide variety of activities that contribute to building vibrant, healthy communities,” said the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “This funding ensures community organizations can continue to provide programming to enhance public safety through emergency programs like search and rescue, and to steward and preserve our ecosystems for generations to come.” 

The Province is providing about $4.8 million to 138 environmental organizations in 2020-21. These programs will create opportunities for people to learn about, connect with and protect nature.

Some of the organizations receiving funding this year include:

• Prince George Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society: $26,000
• Paws for Hope Animal Foundation in Maple Ridge: $65,000
• Wildlife Rescue Association of British Columbia: $140,000
• Discovery Passage Aquarium Society in Campbell River: $24,000

“The Community Gaming Grant provides vital funding that enables Wildlife Rescue, a national leader in wildlife rehabilitation, to respond to over 28,000 calls from communities across the province and treat 5,000 injured wild animals annually,” said Cheryl Churney, chair, board of directors, Wildlife Rescue Association of BC. “As demand for our services continues to grow, the grant is especially important to ensure continued access for all British Columbians.”

In 2020-21, 132 not-for-profit organizations providing emergency and lifesaving services are receiving approximately $6.3 million to deliver their programs provincewide. These community-led programs include search and rescue, disaster relief and emergency preparedness resources.

Organizations receiving funding this year include:

• British Columbia Search Dog Association: $106,000
• Fraser Region Community Justice Initiatives Association: $25,000
• Kaslo Search and Rescue: $75,000
• Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department: $38,000

"Call volume has doubled for search and rescue services in the Kootenays within the last couple of years. This funding will help with replacing and upgrading equipment, and our ongoing training, which helps us respond to calls safely, more efficiently and effectively,” said Stefan Lettrari, president, Kaslo Search and Rescue. “We are very grateful for the B.C. Community Gaming Grant as it allows us to continue offering our professional rescue services to everyone in the Kootenay region."

Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people throughout British Columbia.

A full list of environment and public safety grant recipients is available here: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2-9-21_CGG.pdf

Quick Facts:

• Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide funding to approximately 5,000 organizations, including arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety and human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools throughout B.C.
• The program provides up to $140 million that benefit communities through the organizations that the Community Gaming Grants program supports each year, including $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• There has been no change to the Community Gaming Grants program budget for 2020-21. 
• All Community Gaming Grant funding this year must comply with the provincial health officer’s orders. The program is providing flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.

Learn More:

For more information on how Community Gaming Grants are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggupdates

StrongerBC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan and other government resources and updates: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19