Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) that support extracurricular school activities, including sports, arts, educational camps and class trips will share almost $12 million in B.C. government community gaming grants this year, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said today.

B.C. community gaming grants will provide a total of $11,700,000 to 1,470 PACs and $125,000 to 49 District Parent Advisory Committees (DPACs) in communities throughout the province. These committees work with school staff to enhance the educational experience for students at B.C.'s public and independent schools.

The funds will help schools make purchases for items such as sports equipment and musical instruments that provide additional opportunities for students to learn and benefit from their school years.

For example, PACs work with their schools to cover the costs of instruction for curling, tennis and golf through SOAR (Sharing Our Activities and Resources), a program developed by three provincial sport organizations: Curl BC, Tennis BC and British Columbia Golf.

Gaming grant applicants must be the PAC or DPAC for a school that delivers the K-12 curriculum, and there must be at least two parents willing to be accountable for the funds. Applicants can contact Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch at 250 387-5311 for advice about applications.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

"Parents in communities across British Columbia want the best education possible for their children. Community gaming grants for PACs and DPACs help enrich the school experience for B.C.'s students by supporting appropriate and educational extra-curricular opportunities, approved by parents and educators working together."

Education Minister Peter Fassbender -

"Education is more than what students learn in classrooms. Their education experience is also shaped and enriched by the wide variety of after school organized activities. Community gaming grants are a significant boost to these activities. I am delighted that students will benefit from the grants again this year."

Quick Facts:

• The Province distributes $135 million in community gaming grants to benefit over 5,000 local organizations representing virtually every community in the province. For a full list of approved gaming grants, visit: http://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/revenue/index.htm
• 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 are all eligible for community gaming grants.
• There are more than 1,900 public and independent schools in 60 school districts throughout British Columba. Most are served by PACs and DPACs.

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

Contact:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 387-4089