Not-for-profit groups that deliver social services to people and families throughout the North are receiving support through B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the not-for-profit sector has been a beacon for many British Columbians, guiding them through challenging times with programs that have made life better and helped keep communities resilient,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are stronger when we work together, and our government is committed to supporting these organizations and the people who rely on them – today, and as we move forward into recovery.”

The Province is contributing nearly $61 million to over 1,400 human and social services sector organizations that provide essential community services. These partner organizations make a difference in peoples’ lives through child care, support for people with disabilities, seniors’ activities, health education and more. The grants are also bringing a boost to programs that have seen a spike in demand since the pandemic, including food banks, shelters, mental health and addictions counselling, and services for women’s transition.

The following are examples of how Community Gaming Grant funding will help make a difference for people:

• Elders, youth and adults will benefit from community food bank services, traditional and cultural programs, and adult literacy programs through the Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert.
• Seniors in Prince George will have access to recreational activities and hot lunch programs through the Elder Citizens Recreation Association.
• People in the 100 Mile House region will benefit from programs that distribute food and necessities through the 100 Mile House Food Bank Society.

“We in Stikine have incredible organizations that offer a critical range of services providing seniors’ activities, child care, mental health support and much more,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine. “The need for these services has become even more important over the last year and these organizations have adapted in creative ways during the pandemic. These grants will support the groups and people that have kept our community strong and resilient.”

Since 2017, Community Gaming Grants have annually supported over 1,400 not-for-profit organizations in the human and social services sector throughout more than 160 B.C. communities.

“The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert is a community organization that has provided a vast variety of services in the areas of health, culture, education and recreation for people in the North, while emphasising the needs of the First Nations People,” said Anna Zanella, executive director, Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert. “We’re an organization that people have relied upon since operations first began in 1958, and this funding will help us continue to keep up with the needs of the community.”

Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people throughout British Columbia.

“The need for support in areas like health, culture and education has only grown since the pandemic began,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “This funding will be able to help a wide range of organizations to continue to support people and help them keep up with the growing needs of the community.”

See the full list of human and social services grant recipients here: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/5-21-21_HSSS.pdf

Quick Facts:

• Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide funding to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, including arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, and human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools throughout B.C.
• The Community Gaming Grants program provides funding that benefits communities through the organizations that the program supports each year, including $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• There has been no change to the Community Gaming Grants program budget for 2020-21.
• All Community Gaming Grant funding must comply with the provincial health officer’s orders. The program is providing flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.

Learn More:

For more information on how Community Gaming Grants respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggupdates

StrongerBC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan and other government resources and updates: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19