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.

A total of 14 projects in the East Kootenay are getting $427,250 in this funding round.

Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs stated, “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.

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

Local organizations receiving funding this year include:

Cranbrook

Cranbrook and District Search and Rescue Society $26,000;

Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society $24,500;

Fernie

Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association $95,000;

Fernie Volunteer Ski Patrol Society $10,000;

Wildsight Elk Valley Branch $14,250;

Elk River Watershed Alliance $14,000;

Elk Valley Air Search and Rescue Association $13,000;

Invermere

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network $5,000;

Wildsight – Invermere Branch $6,500;

Lake Windermere Ambassadors Society $6,000;

Kimberley

East Kootenay Regional Search and Rescue Society $100,000;

Kimberley Wildsight $53,000;

Kimberley Wildsight Kimberley/Cranbrook Branch $30,000;

Sparwood

Sparwood Search & Rescue Society $30,000.

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.* 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.

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.

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