With help from the Province, The BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion will celebrate its 86th anniversary with a variety of events during Legion Week from June 24 to 30, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

The B.C. government is providing a $65,000 community gaming grant to the Legion to support community celebrations that will showcase the extensive charitable and volunteer contributions of Legion members and the ladies auxiliaries. This brings the Province's contribution to Legion Week to more than $140,000 for 2011 and 2012.

Family-friendly open houses will be held throughout the province to engage the public with events such as barbecues, live entertainment, dances, picnics, pancake breakfasts and more.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"The Royal Canadian Legion and ladies auxiliary members perform valuable public service in communities across B.C. Their charitable and volunteer contributions have reached far beyond care for veterans who have served this country, helping improve the lives of all British Columbians for decades."

"With support going to everything from seniors' housing to youth groups; to medical equipment and accessibility projects; to fire and rescue equipment; these men and women continue to create a legacy of altruism that benefits all of us. I want to take this opportunity to thank B.C. Legion and ladies auxiliary members for making such a difference - your work is very much appreciated."

Dave Sinclair, immediate past president of the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation -

"The Royal Canadian Legion is ever evolving; while we're looking after our veterans and their families, we are also making sure that we are a key element in the communities where we live. This money will allow us to open our doors to the general public in our communities to show them all the things we do - such as housing for seniors, sponsorships of youth sports teams, bursaries and scholarships for youth and anywhere in the community where help is needed. And now we are welcoming new members, anyone over 18, which broadens our impact in the communities we serve."

Quick Facts:

• In January, 2012, Premier Christy Clark increased the annual base budget for gaming grants by $15 million to $135 million per year into the future.

• Groups eligible for community gaming grants include agricultural fairs, local festivals and celebrations, heritage associations and museums, arts and culture, sports, environmental organizations, human and social services, public safety, parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils.

• During 2011-12, approximately 5,300 community groups shared $135 million.

Learn More:

Check out the provincial government's role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

The full list of approved gaming grants is available at: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming

Contact:

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