Three Elk Valley non-profit organizations dedicated to public safety received a cut of over $5.7 million in the most recent round of community gaming grants funded by the Government of British Columbia, said Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender Feb. 20.

Public safety community gaming grants help support the important work of non-profit organizations throughout the province that provide a range of services and educational programs to protect the safety of British Columbians in their local communities. Eligible organizations include: volunteer fire departments, search and rescue groups, crime stoppers associations, marine rescue societies and community justice centres.

Regional (and nearby) organizations receiving grants include: Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (Fernie) – $70,000; The Fernie Volunteer Ski Patrol Society – $6,180; The British Columbia Search Dog Association out of Creston – $15,000; Golden & District Search and Rescue Association – $55,000; Sparwood Search & Rescue Society – $100,000.

“The safety of British Columbians is a top priority. We are proud to provide more than $5.7 million in gaming grants to support the crucial work of non-profit organizations that deliver a range of protective services as well as a variety of educational and training programs for their volunteers – to help ensure assistance is available when residents need it most,” said Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender.

“It is gratifying to see so many organizations in B.C.’s public safety sector benefit from community gaming grants. These not-for-profit groups play such a central role in providing important, locally-based services that strengthen safety measures, tools and resources in our communities,” said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Morris.

“The presence of these organizations in our communities is valuable. The public safety services they provide protect the lives of British Columbians and their families – and create peace of mind in times of crisis. Once again, we are pleased to support this vital work in communities across B.C. through the province’s community gaming grants,” stated Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto.

Every year, the B.C. government approves $135 million in gaming grants benefiting over 5,000 local organizations representing virtually every community in the province.

Lead image: Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association

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