COQUITLAM– New Democrat MLA Fin Donnelly says local organizations will be able to restore local ecosystems, rescue animals, and keep people safe thanks to funding from the Community Gaming Grants program for environmental and public safety initiatives.

“These grants help non-profit organizations in our community continue environmental conservation and the life-saving emergency work people rely on,” said Fin Donnelly, MLA for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain. “I’m especially excited that Coquitlam Search & Rescue and the Rivershed Society of B.C. are being funded; they work to keep us safe outdoors and protect and restore our watersheds, keeping our communities healthy and safe.”

In Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, 2 community organizations are receiving a total of $117,000 in grants for public safety work. This can include volunteer firefighting, marine and land search and rescue operations, crime reduction and restorative justice, and emergency response and communications.

Another 2 local not-for-profits are receiving $32,000 for environmental initiatives such as ecosystem conservation, animal welfare, and education and outreach programs.

Over $10.5 million is being distributed through the Environment and Public Safety streams of the Community Gaming Grant program for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. $140 million are distributed annually though Community Gaming Grants to roughly 1,500 community not-for-profit organizations across all streams of the program. These grants help organizations build strong, vibrant communities across B.C.