Cariboo-Chilcotin Arts/Culture Groups receive Provincial Funding

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- 8 Arts/Culture Groups in the Cariboo-Chilcotin (Quesnel, Wells, Williams Lake) will be funding from BC's Community Gaming Grant totalling $140,700)... 

Young artists are among the people benefiting from an $18.2-million investment in arts and culture programs throughout the province through Community Gaming Grants.

Arts Umbrella, a non-profit centre for arts education with locations in Vancouver, Surrey and South Surrey, received $225,000 to provide free community programming for young artists in dance, theatre, and art and design.

“The continued support we receive from Community Gaming Grants is critical, helping us to provide nurturing, stimulating and inclusive community programming completely free of charge to over 6,500 deserving young people each year,” said Susan Smith Alexander, senior director of programming, Arts Umbrella. “This stable funding helps us to plan with confidence and inspire children and youth who otherwise would not have access to quality arts programming.”

Similar arts-and-culture grants will provide greater community access to a variety of programs at more than 650 organizations across B.C.

“Through Community Gaming Grants, the Province is helping organizations like Arts Umbrella to reach more people through their work,” said the Hon. Anne Kang, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “From arts and literature to festivals and museums, B.C. has a thriving arts-and-culture sector that keeps our communities vibrant and healthy. These grants are helping organizations to keep costs down for art students, museum visitors, festival-goers and anybody participating in arts-and-culture activities.”

Grant recipients will deliver programs that preserve and/or provide public access to arts, heritage or culture, including:

• Ladysmith Festival of Lights ($46,000);
• Nelson and District Museum, Archives, Art Gallery and Historical Society ($36,400);
• Okanagan Symphony Society ($164,500);
• Société francophone de Maillardville for the Festival du Bois in Coquitlam ($90,000); and
• Stage North Theatre Society ($24,500).

The funding is part of $140 million provided annually through Community Gaming Grants to not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C. These grants help approximately 5,000 organizations to deliver ongoing programs and services in their communities.

The Province has also announced an additional $11.2 million in Community Gaming Grants for 1,300 school parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs) in B.C.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2017, Community Gaming Grants have annually supported programs that directly benefit British Columbians and their communities, helping more than 5,100 arts-and-culture sector not-for-profit organizations.
• Grants also fund human and social services, sport, public safety and environmental conservation, as well as parent and district parent advisory councils in B.C. schools.
• Eligible organizations can apply for one of the six sectors of grants, as well as a capital-project grant.

Learn More:

To see the full list of arts-and-culture sector recipients, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGGPayments_Apr2023toSept2023_ArtsCulture.pdf

For more information about $11.2 million provided to parent advisory councils, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023MUNI0053-001975

For more information on Community Gaming Grants, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/community-gaming-grants

Cariboo-Chilcotin Social Services Organizations receive Provincial Financial Support

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Cariboo-Chilcotin Social Services Organizations in Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House received Community Gaming Grants totalling $927,175.00.  Breakdown by location can be accessed here

Nearly $61 million in Community Gaming Grants will go to non-profit organizations throughout the province to help deliver programs that improve people’s quality of life.

“We are committed to investing in not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C. to keep our communities healthy and vibrant,” said the Hon. Anne Kang, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “People throughout the province rely on the programs these organizations provide, which increase access to vital supports, such as food, shelter and social connections.”

Human- and social-services grants support a range of organizations that enhance the well-being of children, youth, families and seniors by addressing equity issues, meeting the needs of under-served groups or providing public outreach and education about important social issues. Examples this year include:

• the Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks program, which focuses on teaching skiing and riding skills to people with disabilities;
• the Nawican Friendship Centre in Dawson Creek’s hot meal program, which provides nutritious meals to those in need as well as services to alleviate food security issues within the community; and
• the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society with drop-in programs in Squamish and Whistler that focus on supporting the needs of survivors of gender-based violence (this includes a 24-hour crisis line and a diverse range of resources, referrals, support and safety for women, gender-marginalized individuals and children).

“These vital funds, combined with local volunteers’ time, really make the difference to a wide range of B.C. residents,” said Caroline Miller, Chair, B.C. Association for Charitable Gaming. “From people with disabilities to those hosting art or music programs in community centres, these funds make B.C. a better place to live, work and play.”

The funding this year for human and social-services grants comes out of the $140 million distributed annually to not-for-profit organizations that deliver other essential services and make life better for people in British Columbia.

Eligible not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for one of the six sectors of grants, as well as a capital-project grant during each sector’s intake period.

Quick Facts:

• Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people in British Columbia with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• Since 2017, Community Gaming Grants for capital projects have annually supported programs that benefit British Columbians and their communities, helping roughly 500 not-for-profit organizations.
• Grants also fund arts and culture, sports, human and social services, public safety and environmental conservation, as well as parent and district parent advisory councils in B.C. schools.

For more information about Community Gaming Grants, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/community-gaming-grants

Cariboo-Chilcotin Orgs. receive Public Safety/Environment Grants from BC

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- Congratulations are offered to the following organizations in the Cariboo-Chilcotin for receiving Public Safety or Environment Grants, as part of BC's Community Gaming Grant program:

 Public Safety: 

Big Lake Community Association - $25,200 for local Fire Department 

Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department Society - $23,000 

Likely and District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Society - $12,000 

McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Department Society - $34,600 

Environment: 

Baker Creek Enhancement Society (Quesnel) - $44,000

Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society (Williams Lake) - $25,000 

Invasive Species Council of British Columbia Society (Williams Lake) - $150,000 

Potato House Sustainable Community Society (Williams Lake) - $7,000 

Williams Lake Field Naturalists - $16,000

More than 250 not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C. are receiving Community Gaming Grants to support environmental conservation and public safety 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.” 

The Province is providing approximately $4.9 million to 135 environmental-sector organizations this year. These programs help people to learn about, connect with and enhance and protect the environment.

Examples of programs funded include:

• ocean literacy, species protection and green boating education for the Georgia Strait Alliance in Nanaimo;  
• public education programs and restoration at Maplewood Flats Conservation area for the Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia in North Vancouver; and
• education, advocacy and outreach, wellness, and the cat-sanctuary program through the Regional Animal Protection Society in 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.

Organizations providing emergency and safety services are receiving approximately $5.5 million to deliver their community-led programs. These include restorative justice, volunteer firefighting, emergency preparedness, and search and rescue.

Examples of the programs funded include:

• delivering the Community Restorative Justice program through the Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society;
• training, equipment and gear for the Ground Search and Rescue program and the purchase of two all-terrain vehicles and two trailers for the Vernon Search and Rescue Group Society; and
• training, equipment and gear for the Marine Search and Rescue program and the purchase of two outboard boat engines for the Fraser Marine Rescue Society in 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.”

Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide $140 million from gaming revenues to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people in B.C. communities.

Quick Facts:

• Every year, commercial gaming revenue funds essential government programs and services in B.C. communities.
• In addition to public safety and environmental conservation, Community Gaming Grants fund arts, culture and sport, and human and social services, as well as parent and district parent advisory councils in B.C. schools.
• Each year, eligible organizations can apply for one of the six sectors of Community Gaming Grants, as well as a capital-project grant.

Learn More:

A full list of environment and public safety grant recipients is available online:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG_YTD_Apr_Dec_21_PublicSafety_Env.pdf

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

Stronger BC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/   

For updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and government response, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Cariboo-Chilcotin Projects receive Community Gaming Grants (Capital Envelope)

Editor's Note --

Congratulations are extended to the 100 Mile Nordic Ski Society, Williams Lake Field Naturalists and Williams Lake Curling Club for receiving funding from the Community Gaming Grant - Capital Project Envelope from the Province of BC. 

100 Mile Nordic Ski Society is receiving $250,000 for the purchase of a new Pisten Bully 100 Snow Cat to allow more frequent grooming that is needed with increased users. 

Williams Lake Field Naturalists is receiving $43,766 to replace the boardwalk for Otter Point at Scout Island 

Williams Lake Curling Club is receiving $37,110 for installation of an elevator lift system to make it accessible to those with limited mobility at the Williams Lake Curling Club facility

Courtesy of the Province of BC:

People of all ages and abilities in communities throughout the province will benefit from improvements made to not-for-profit programs and services with capital project funding from the Community Gaming Grants program.

“The pandemic has highlighted the critical need and created an increasing demand for the kinds of services not-for-profits provide for people in British Columbia. These organizations work hard to raise money to buy equipment and make renovations that create more inclusive and accessible spaces like transition and recovery homes, elevators and universal washrooms,” said the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Our government is committed to investing in not-for-profit organizations by supporting their efforts to help people thrive in healthy, vibrant communities.”

The Community Gaming Grants program provided $5 million to 45 not-for-profit groups for capital projects in 2021-22. Funding will be used to help local organizations make upgrades to their facilities and community infrastructure, update technology and buy vehicles and equipment for programs.

Examples of the projects funded include:

• a new elevator and universal washroom at the ArtStarts in Schools society in Vancouver so that members have better, more accessible amenities;
• the redevelopment of the original Aunt Leah's House so that more mothers and their children will have shelter and services;
• a building renovation of the Foundry Langley gathering and inclusivity space so that youth can better access inclusive gathering spaces;
• the construction of a post-treatment recovery home for the Lillooet Friendship Centre so that adults in need can have more support to strengthen their recovery from addiction and their overall wellness; and
• the Otter Point Boardwalk replacement for the Williams Lake Field Naturalists so that people can access a more flood-resistant and wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.

The Province continues to prioritize capital projects through 2021-22 to support not-for-profit organizations that are facing increased demand for services during the pandemic. Many organizations will also be using funding to make modifications that support physical distancing and other measures to ensure they meet public health and safety guidelines.

“Aunt Leah’s Foundation is thrilled to receive this critical funding for the rebuilding of the original Aunt Leah’s House where, over 35 years ago, the organization began to provide supported housing and services for mothers at risk of losing custody of their children,” said Jacqueline Dupuis, executive director for Aunt Leah's Foundation. “In 2020, Aunt Leah’s provided safe housing and security to 25 mothers and children, and the new Aunt Leah’s House will increase our capacity to help keep families together and successfully achieve independence.”

The Community Gaming Grants program has made it a condition that all grant funding through 2021-2022 comply with provincial health orders, and the program is providing flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.

Quick Facts:

• The full list of capital projects sector recipients is available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG_Capital_Project_Grants_21-22.pdf
• Since 2017, capital project sector grants have helped 332 not-for-profit organizations in 110 communities buy equipment and make renovations essential to their operations.
• Every year, commercial gaming revenue funds essential government programs and services, including health care, education, justice and social services throughout B.C.
  • As much as $140 million of gaming revenue benefits communities through the 5,000 organizations that the Community Gaming Grants program supports each year, with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
  • Community Gaming Grants provide funding to arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools throughout B.C.
• Each year, eligible organizations can apply for a capital project sector grant, in addition to one of the six sectors of regular Community Gaming Grants.

Learn More:

For more information on how the Community Gaming Grants program is 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/  

For updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and government response, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19

Gaming grants help keep students in extracurricular activities

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- the following Parent Advisory Councils' will receive funding within the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region:

* 100 Mile Elementary School PAC - $6,180.00

* PSO Secondary School Parent Advisory Council - $3,360.00

* Mile 108 Elementary PAC - $7,900.00

* 150 Mile House Elementary School PAC - $5,800.00

* Barlow Creek School Parent Advisory Council - $19,660.00

* Bouchie Lake Elementary PAC - $9,680.00

* Carson Elementary Parent Advisory Council - $6,820.00

* Correlieu Secondary School PAC - $2,100.00

* Dragon Lake PAC - $2,760.00

* Lakeview Elementary School PAC - $28,160.00

* Parent Support Group of St. Ann's School - $2,500.00

* Quesnel Secondary School PAC - $4,100.00

* Parkland Elementary School PAC - $13,740.00

* Red Bluff Parent Advisory Council - $5,100.00

* Wells Barkerville Parent Advisory Council - $4,120.00

* Cataline Elementary Parent Advisory Council - $19,460.00

* Chilcotin Road Elementary School PAC - $39,780.00

* GROW Parent Advisory Council - $8,640.00

* Nesika Elementary School P.A.C. - $2,840.00

Kids in B.C. will benefit from participation in a wide range of school activities thanks to Community Gaming Grants funding that is going to more than 1,300 school advisory councils.

“We’ve been through so much over these past couple of years, and parents have been champions in our schools, working hard to keep kids connected with safe and rewarding extracurricular activities,” said the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Activities like these provide tremendous benefits for children’s health and well-being, and they help keep students active and engaged in learning.”

In total, nearly $11 million in Community Gaming Grants is supporting parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs) in the 2021-22 school year. Schools in British Columbia receive funding each year through PACs and DPACs for activities that benefit students’ social, cultural and physical health.

“Extracurricular activities are so important for students so they can connect with their friends and maintain their physical, social and mental health,” said the Hon. Jennifer Whiteside, BC's Minister of Education. “Through Community Gaming Grants, PACs and DPACs across the province provide a wide range of extracurricular activities for students, allowing them to build new friendships, develop life skills and share more experiences together.”

Schools offer many extracurricular experiences for K-12 students, including sports and playground activities, drama, writing and music programs, and graduation ceremonies with support from Community Gaming Grant funding. PAC groups use the funds to put on music, dance and theatre performances, purchase computers for extracurricular activities such as robotics, yearbook and photography clubs, and holding social gatherings such as movie nights. 

“The ongoing pandemic has severely limited the ability of parent advisory councils to raise funds in support of numerous school programs,” said Andrea Sinclair, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils. “Parents are grateful that Community Gaming Grants will be distributed to PACs throughout the province, thereby ensuring that the students' experience at their school will continue to be enhanced while reducing the burden on families.”

The Community Gaming Grants program has put British Columbian’s health and safety first by requiring that all grant funding complies with the provincial health officer’s orders, while continuing to provide flexibility for those organizations whose programs and services have been affected by the pandemic.

 Quick Facts:

• Every year, commercial gaming revenue funds essential government programs and services, including health care, education, justice and social services and the Community Gaming Grants program.
• Each year, 5,000 organizations in communities throughout B.C. benefit from as much as $140 million in gaming revenue from the Community Gaming Grants program.
• Community Gaming Grants provide funding to arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, human and social services, as well as PACs in B.C. schools.

Learn More:

View the full list of PAC and DPAC sector recipients: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/2021-%2022_PAC-DPAC_Recipients.pdf

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

Stronger BC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

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

2020-21 Social Services Community Gaming Grants announced for Cariboo-Chilcotin

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Editor's Note -- a number of social service groups in the District of 100 Mile House, City of Quesnel and the City of Williams Lake will be receiving Community Gaming Grants from the Provincial Government.  Full explanation here.  Congratulations to the successful applicants

Not-for-profit groups that deliver social services to people and families throughout the North are receiving support through B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the not-for-profit sector has been a beacon for many British Columbians, guiding them through challenging times with programs that have made life better and helped keep communities resilient,” said the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are stronger when we work together, and our government is committed to supporting these organizations and the people who rely on them – today, and as we move forward into recovery.”

The Province is contributing nearly $61 million to over 1,400 human and social services sector organizations that provide essential community services. These partner organizations make a difference in peoples’ lives through child care, support for people with disabilities, seniors’ activities, health education and more. The grants are also bringing a boost to programs that have seen a spike in demand since the pandemic, including food banks, shelters, mental health and addictions counselling, and services for women’s transition.

The following are examples of how Community Gaming Grant funding will help make a difference for people:

• Elders, youth and adults will benefit from community food bank services, traditional and cultural programs, and adult literacy programs through the Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert.
• Seniors in Prince George will have access to recreational activities and hot lunch programs through the Elder Citizens Recreation Association.
• People in the 100 Mile House region will benefit from programs that distribute food and necessities through the 100 Mile House Food Bank Society.

“We in Stikine have incredible organizations that offer a critical range of services providing seniors’ activities, child care, mental health support and much more,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “The need for these services has become even more important over the last year and these organizations have adapted in creative ways during the pandemic. These grants will support the groups and people that have kept our community strong and resilient.”

Since 2017, Community Gaming Grants have annually supported over 1,400 not-for-profit organizations in the human and social services sector throughout more than 160 B.C. communities.

“The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert is a community organization that has provided a vast variety of services in the areas of health, culture, education and recreation for people in the North, while emphasising the needs of the First Nations People,” said Anna Zanella, executive director, Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert. “We’re an organization that people have relied upon since operations first began in 1958, and this funding will help us continue to keep up with the needs of the community.”

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.

“The need for support in areas like health, culture and education has only grown since the pandemic began,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “This funding will be able to help a wide range of organizations to continue to support people and help them keep up with the growing needs of the community.”

See the full list of human and social services grant recipients here: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/5-21-21_HSSS.pdf

Quick Facts:

• Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide funding to a variety of not-for-profit 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 Community Gaming Grants program provides funding that benefits communities through the organizations that the 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 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 respond 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