North Island organizations will benefit from gaming grants being distributed by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
They are among the almost 2,600 groups sharing in $15 million in additional gaming grants announced recently by Premier Christy Clark. Gaming grants received by community organizations in 2010-11 now total $135 million.
Funding for 500 organizations was topped up to close to previous-year levels. Beneficiaries included youth arts and culture groups; community service groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis; fairs, festivals and museums; and organizations involved in community education such as parent support services.
As well, many groups in the health and social services sector - such as transition houses, food banks and drop-in centres received about 25 per cent more in 2010-11 than the previous year. Putting families first, the Province targeted this funding to help food banks meet growing demand, as well as to support youth and family programs, parent advisory and district parent advisory councils (PACs and DPACs), community centres, cultural organizations, and scouts and cadets.
In all, the Province provided about $22.5 million more in gaming grants in 2010-11 than during the previous year. This funding aided close to 6,000 organizations.
A total of $3,420 will be distributed to North Island Organizations.
Grants will be given to the following school Parent Advisory Committees: Alert Bay Elementary School $315, Sea View Elementary Junior Secondary $310, Eagle View Elementary $1,545, Fort Rupert Elementary $245, Port Hardy Secondary School $1,505, Cheslakees $375, North Island Secondary $1,900, Sunset Elementary $1,145.
Grants will also be given to the North Island Early Child Development Society $10,250 the Port Hardy Harvest Food Bank $10,000.
A full list of recipients can be seen at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/reports/docs/grants-cgg-march-payments-15-million-2010-11.pdf
For more information about the existing community gaming grants process visit: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/