Forests
B.C.’s young historians are benefitting from provincial one-time funding of $125,000 to the BC Heritage Fairs Society, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson announced today.
The society’s aim is to encourage youth to become future community leaders with an appreciation of history and heritage, the same way science fairs encourage youth to enter the science and technological fields. The provincial investment allows the society to concentrate on building the fairs program with a focus on awareness and understanding of Canadian history and heritage among students and their families in British Columbia.
Formed in 2003, the BC Heritage Fairs Society is a non-profit organization that supports, facilitates and implements a Heritage Fairs Program throughout the province and works closely with organizations and agencies with complementary goals and activities. The society provides resources for educators and students to deliver 12 regional and one provincial fair, annually reaching some 6,000 youth in communities throughout B.C.
BC Heritage Fairs Society developed a five-year sustainable business model in 2014 that would move the society to increased financial self-sufficiency and help them reach more students and teachers. The investment in the society will be used to increase private sector awareness and funding, to upgrade their website, to explore new revenue streams and to pursue registered charity status.
Quotes:
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson -
“For years the BC Heritage Fairs program has helped to foster a culture of heritage conservation in British Columbia. I am encouraged by the work of the Society to embrace this new model of self-sufficiency.”
President of BC Heritage Fairs Society, Michael Gurney -
“This funding sets the society on a path to financial sustainability. We appreciate the Province’s support in helping us to identify a sustainable business model and for investing in its implementation.”
Learn More:
BC Heritage Fairs Society: http://www.bcheritagefairs.ca/
To view and/or download a photo of the announcement please visit: https://www.flickr.com/gp/bcgovphotos/8AFspv
Media Contacts:
Greig Bethel
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
