COURTENAY – New Democrat MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard is welcoming $314,000 in funding for eight not-for-profit organizations in the Comox Valley. The organizations, which offer public safety and environmental programs and services, are receiving the funds through the Community Gaming Grants program.

“Great people in these organizations give their time and effort to keep people, animals and the environment safe,” said Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox.

The recipients of the community grant funding are the Comox Valley Marine Rescue Society, the Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue Association, the Community Justice Centre of the Comox Valley, the Comox Valley Land Trust, the Comox Valley Project Watershed Society, the Tsolum River Restoration Society, the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS), and the Kitty Cat P.A.L. Society.

“We should all be grateful to the dedicated staff and volunteers of these groups,” said Leonard. “Funding through the Community Gaming Grants helps make sure their important work will continue.”

Across the province, over 145 public safety-related organizations are receiving more than $6.5 million this year. Through public safety programs, these groups provide emergency and lifesaving services including search and rescue activities, volunteer fire departments, emergency preparedness, community and restorative justice, and more.

Approximately 120 organizations in the environment sector are receiving $3.8 million across the province, providing people with opportunities to learn about and connect with nature, conducting wildlife rehabilitation programs and shelters for animals, helping us adapt to climate change, supporting local food systems, and more.

The Community Gaming Grants program provides up to $140 million to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia each year.

For more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019MAH0010-000120