Several Powell River organizations will benefit from more than $45 million distributed to local organizations this year through provincial Community Gaming Grants.
“While local soccer drills, arts programs and cultural celebrations may look different this year, I’m so pleased we can continue to support programs like these,” stated provincial minister of municipal affairs Josie Osborne in a media release. “We know how important it is for not-for-profit organizations to continue to plan for the future, so when it is time for us to be together again, we can fully embrace sports, arts and cultural experiences as part of living in our vibrant and healthy communities.”
More than 700 not-for-profit arts organizations in BC are receiving approximately $18.1 million in Community Gaming Grants to deliver arts and cultural programs, including six in Powell River: Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy Association, $22,000; Powell River Academy of Music, $30,000; Powell River Council for Arts and Culture, $10,000; Powell River Film Society, $14,000; Powell River Historical Museum & Archives Association, $27,000; and Townsite Heritage Society, $23,000.
The Community Gaming Grants program is also providing more than $27.3 million for more than 800 not-for-profit sport organizations. These groups organize a variety of activities, such as skiing, swimming, soccer, hockey, paddling and Special Olympics, to name a few. Organizations receiving funding this year include Powell River Aquatic Club, $20,000; Powell River Curling Club, $15,000; Powell River Gymnastics Society, $44,300; Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society, $15,000; Powell River Minor Hockey Association, $55,000; Powell River Skating Club, $20,000; and Powell River Youth Soccer Association, $29,800.
“We recognize that everyone is doing their best to keep our communities safe and flatten the curve. I appreciate how incredibly innovative organizations have been during these challenging times,” stated minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport Melanie Mark. “We are committed to distributing these funds to organizations in a timely manner to make sure people can continue enjoying performances online, visiting their local museums by appointment, and taking part in the activities that bring them joy and support their well-being.”
Community Gaming Grants provide about $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people throughout BC, according to the release. The program has made it a condition that all grant funding this year complies with the provincial health officer’s orders and provides flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.
