Not-for-profit groups that deliver social services to people and families throughout Metro Vancouver 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 more than 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:

• People who have suffered strokes will have access to health education and support programs through the Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia.
• Women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside will benefit from drop-in services and meal programs through the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre Association.
• Children, youth, seniors and families will benefit from a variety of services and programs, including childcare, senior’s activities and an edible garden project, through the North Shore Neighbourhood House.

“Local organizations make our communities better places for people to live,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “They keep us connected to our neighbours and boost our community spirit, even in challenging times. As we recover from the pandemic, these grants will allow local groups to keep delivering mental health support, food security programs, youth activities and many more services that people count on.”

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 North Shore Neighbourhood house has been supporting people here in our community for over 80 years through essential services such as child care, youth and senior programs, a food bank and as an emergency shelter,” said Lisa Hubbard, executive director, North Shore Neighbourhood House. “This grant will allow us to continue to provide the services that have positively impacted generations of people in our 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.

“There are countless organizations here in North Vancouver that have positively impacted generations of people in our community,” said Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour. “From child care, to the local arts, each organization has made a lasting impact and has adapted to offer services throughout the pandemic. I’m so excited that our government is able to fund such a diverse group of organizations through the community gaming grants.”

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