We are very lucky in the Cariboo to have so many wonderful community organizations that serve the people of our region. These organizations are successful because of the help of dedicated volunteers and administrators who take community service to the next level.
Our government is committed to invest in non-profit organizations that benefit the broader community through the Community Gaming Grant program.
It was wonderful to see $245,000 of Community Gaming Grants presented just last month to organizations that work in communities in the Cariboo. This funding is going to some excellent causes including groups that will assist aboriginal youth in Quesnel, educational programs in 100 Mile House and health associations and women’s societies’ right here in Williams Lake. Did you know community gaming grants are now available for arts and culture and sports groups? This is a great opportunity for non-profit groups that help advance our vibrant arts scene and active living to take advantage of provincial funding to provide additional programs to benefit our community.
Our government is also investing $750,000 for the BC Arts Council Scholarship, providing students across B.C. enrolled in full-time fine arts degrees or diploma programs up to $6,000 of scholarship funding per year. There are so many gifted young British Columbia artists and we are ensuring they can pursue their fullest potential with this increased funding.
Application deadline for the BC Arts Council scholarship is April 30, and forms can be found online at www.bcartscouncil.ca.
Applications for the arts and culture and sporting groups Community Gaming Grants are being taken now until May 31, 2014. More information can be found online at http://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/community-gaming.htm. There is no doubt that funding young artists and volunteer based organizations in our region will continue to help bind our communities together and help build a more vibrant, healthier and stronger Cariboo.
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and is the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.