The Province of British Columbia is providing a one-time, $100,000 community gaming grant to the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue station in Oak Bay to help bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals for this dedicated group of public safety volunteers.

The funding includes:

• $7,000 to the junior program, where funds will be used for supplies, equipment, and operational costs for a training program for ages 14 to 19.
• $50,200 to the Search and Rescue Boating Safety and Education Program, where funds will be used for training volunteers, purchasing or replacing of certified equipment and gear, and for ongoing operational costs.
• $42,800 in additional funding to aid in the purchase of required certified equipment and capital acquisitions, such as a new vessel.

This funding was made possible through the community gaming grant program. Every year, the Government of British Columbia approves community gaming grants distributed among specific sectors, including arts and culture, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services, parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils.

Community gaming grants also benefit food banks, hospital auxiliaries, hospice societies, wellness providers, service clubs, counselling services and organizations that assist people coping with challenging life situations, including addictions, serious injuries or disabilities.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness, Naomi Yamamoto –

“Since 1977, the volunteers of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue station in Oak Bay have served their community by dedicating themselves to boat safety and saving lives. Our government will continue to support emergency responders and the overall safety of all British Columbians.”

Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society president, Terry Calveley –

“Our volunteers respond to about 50 emergencies on the water every year. This support from the Province helps provide the excellent training and robust equipment we need to keep our crews safe and at the ready.”

(flickr.com)

Learn More:

For information on how to apply for a B.C. community gaming grant, visit: https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/index.htm

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue: www.rcmsar.com 

Oak Bay Sea Rescue Society: http://obsr.ca

PreparedBC: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc

Household preparedness and neighbourhood preparedness guides: http://ow.ly/4nrcso

Emergency Info BC, B.C.’s official channel for emergency alerts: http://ow.ly/WCDbj

Follow on Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC (twitter.com) and @PreparedBC (twitter.com)