By Pioneer Staff
The Province distributes $135 million in community gaming grants to benefit over 5,000 local organizations representing virtually every community in the province.
The following local community organizations that have received gaming grants to date in the government fiscal year 2014/2015 are as follows:
In Edgewater, the Steamboat Mountain Music Society received $2,850 in the Arts and Culture sector under the Fairs, Festivals, Museums sub sector.
In Invermere, the Columbia Valley Arts Council received $29,000 in the Arts and Culture sector under the Adult Arts and Culture sub sector.
In Invermere, the Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club received $17,200 in the Sport sector under the Sports for Youth sub sector.
In Invermere, the Columbia Valley Rockies Booster Society received $15,000 in the Sport sector under Sports for Youth sub sector.
In Radium Hot Springs, the Columbia Valley Swim Club received $8,000 in the Sport sector under Sports for Youth.
Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) that provide support for extracurricular sports, arts, class trips and other school activities are also eligible.
This fiscal year, PACs across the province will share $11,334,300 in community gaming grants. A total of $11,216,800 will go to 1,435 PACs and $117,500 to 47 District Parent Advisory Committees (DPACs) in communities throughout the province.
We know parents contribute directly to the success of their children, and their involvement in the education system plays a pivotal role in each community. These B.C. Gaming grants provide funding to local parent advisory committees so they can purchase playground and sports equipment, musical instruments and also support other opportunities for students, said Education Minister Peter Fassbender.
According to Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes, Schools in British Columbia provide an excellent quality of education for children and youth in communities throughout the province. Community gaming grants help enrich the school experience with appropriate extra-curricular opportunities that parents can support through PACs and DPACs working together with teachers and school administrators.
Gaming grant applicants must be the PAC or DPAC for a school that delivers the K-12 curriculum. There must be at least two parents willing to be accountable for the funds. Applicants can contact Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch at 250 387-5311 for advice about applications.
To apply for a B.C. community gaming grant, visit www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/index.htm.
