Three organizations vital to the safety of people who enjoy outdoor recreation in the East Kootenay are receiving a total of $132,680 in community gaming grants.

The Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) is receiving $70,000, the Sparwood Search and Rescue Society is receiving $56,500 and the Fernie Volunteer Ski Patrol Society is receiving $6,180.

“It takes an exceptional effort to train a rescue dog and handler,” Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett said. “Volunteers with Sparwood’s Search-and-Rescue, who have helped re-unite missing loved ones with their families, deserve our admiration and support.”

The Fernie-based CARDA, founded in 1978, is dedicated to saving lives by partnering specially trained animals with people ready to respond to avalanches at a moment’s notice.

This grant was awarded under the Public Safety category of the Community Gaming Grant Program, which allows non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues. Gaming Grants are also awarded in the categories of Sport, Human and Social Services, Environment, and Arts and Culture. In the 2012/13 fiscal year, the B.C. government distributed a total of $135 million in gaming grants for eligible community programs and services.

For organizations interested in applying for Community Gaming Grants, full application information can be found at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming.

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