The Province has distributed $15 million in additional gaming grants announced recently by Premier Christy Clark. Gaming grants received by community organizations in 2010-11 now total $135 million.

Funding for 500 organizations was topped up to close to previous-year levels. Beneficiaries included youth arts and culture groups; community service groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis; fairs, festivals and museums; and organizations involved in community education such as parent support services.< /p>

As well, many groups in the health and social services sector - such as transition houses, food banks and drop-in centres received about 25 per cent more in 2010-11 than the previous year. Putting families first, the Province targeted this funding to help food banks meet growing demand, as well as to support youth and family programs, parent advisory and district parent advisory councils (PACs and DPACs), community centres, cultural organizations, and scouts and cadets.

In all, the Province provided about $22.5 million more in gaming grants in 2010-11 than during the previous year. This funding aided close to 6,000 organizations.

A prominent individual, who is independent of government, will be appointed to head the review to examine the role of government in gaming with input from charities, community members, industry representatives and local government.

Learn more:

For more information about the existing community gaming grants process, please visit: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/

A list of organizations sharing the additional funding, by community, is now available at:

www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/reports/docs/grants-cgg-march-payments-15-million-2010-11.pdf

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 953-3677