PRINCE RUPERT – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Rice says that people who receive services from local non-profits will benefit from funding to improve community health, accessibility and well-being.

“Over the past couple years the needs for supports such as childcare, foodbanks, mental health and addictions supports and family services has grown,” said Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast. “This funding will be able to help a wide range of organizations so they’re able to continue supporting people and keeping up with the growing needs of the community.”

This year, 10 organizations in North Coast received over $260,000 in funding through the human and social services stream of the Community Gaming Grants program. Recipients include:

Friendship house Association of Prince Rupert – Emergency social services, outreach – $80,000
Change Makers’ Education Society – Children, youth and family services, education, tutoring services – $20,000
Price Rupert Unemployed Centre Society – Human and social services – $33,000
This year, the New Democrat government will distribute more than $61 million in grants to 1,364 human and social services organizations around B.C. This funding means people can continue to access services such as food banks, children and youth programs, mental health supports, and other services that enhance health and wellbeing.

Quick Facts:

Community Gaming Grants provides around $140 million annually to approximately 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people throughout the province.
In addition to human and social services, the grants fund arts, culture and sport, public safety and environmental conservation, as well as parent and district parent advisory councils in B.C. schools.

For more information on Community Gaming Grants, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/community-gaming-grants