A pair of Comox Valley organizations are receiving a helping hand from gaming grants, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs announced Friday.
The Sid Williams Theatre Society in Courtenay is in line for $15,500 for theatre renovations to support COVID-19 safety protocols.
The Denman Island Community Education Society received $87,800 for the construction of an outdoor covered space to deliver a range of recreational programming.
They are among 29 B.C. communities to receive grants supporting the health and social services sector, search and rescue operations, and arts and recreation facilities.
“The pandemic has highlighted the important role our community organizations fulfil, and their ability to provide direct support for people in communities has been vital,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Whether it’s helping local food banks or connecting people through technology and mobile services, we are here to support British Columbians through this difficult time and create stronger, more resilient communities.”
Fifty-three not-for-profits are receiving a total of $5 million in capital project grants this year to upgrade facilities and infrastructure, and update technology and equipment to improve program delivery.
Since 2017, the capital project sector has helped 285 not-for-profit organizations in 92 communities buy equipment and make renovations essential to their operations.
“The BC Association for Charitable Gaming (BCACG) is pleased to see $5 million in support pumped into many provincially based not-for-profits at this critical time,” said Caroline Miller, chair, BCACG. “These much-needed injections of major capital funding will make all the difference to all the successful applicants. We applaud the provincial government and the gaming branch for their dedication to this critical, ongoing funding of projects that will assist in COVID-19 recovery programs for many groups.”