As most of you may know, Skip Triplett has spent the past few months travelling the province and engaging with British Columbians about the community gaming grants that the government awards to organizations across B.C.
With the recent announcement by Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong that adult arts and sports, animal welfare and environmental groups are being encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities, I’m certain many local organizations will take advantage of this great opportunity.
Following the completion of the review and the recommendations, earlier this month Premier Christy Clark increased the annual community gaming grants from $120 million to $135 million. The government is also right in the middle of a special intake that started Jan. 16 and runs until Feb. 13 for previously ineligible groups to apply for grants. The eligible groups include everything from non-profits and charitable organizations from animal shelters to lake, river and stream stewardship societies, to theatre groups.
Broadening eligibility will help local groups that might have previously missed out and can now capitalize on a funding opportunity. I hope all groups that applied before or considered applying do so this time. This commitment shows that this government is dedicated to supporting non-profits. Non-profits across B.C. support so many people and families, and the work that they do strengthens our communities.
So please help get the word out about this great opportunity and hopefully we can get as many deserving organizations as possible funding so they can continue their great work.
Speaking of games, everyone remembers the dramatic Grey Cup game, and our champion Lions. Don’t miss your chance to have your picture taken with the Grey Cup and meet champions J.R. Larose, Angus Reid, and Geroy Simon at the Williams Lake — Cariboo Memorial Complex from 2:30 to 3:30 on Thursday, Feb. 2.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.