COMOX VALLEY – New Democrat MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard says local organizations will be able to restore local ecosystems, rescue animals, and keep people safe with funding from the Community Gaming Grants program for environmental and public safety initiatives.

“There is so much breathtaking natural beauty in the Comox Valley for people to enjoy,” said MLA Leonard. “And we all want to do our part to protect it while keeping one another safe. I’m glad our government is able to support community organizations that help us learn about the outdoors, keep its inhabitants safe, and get us all the help we need when an accident happens.”

In the Comox Valley, four community organizations are receiving $162,000 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 six local not-for-profits are receiving $200,000 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.

Learn more: Gaming grants help protect local environments, keep people safe