VANCOUVER – New Democrat MLA Melanie Mark says local organizations will be able to restore local ecosystems and keep people safe thanks to funding from the Community Gaming Grants program for environmental and public safety initiatives.

“These organizations are critical to our communities. They are the unsung heroes who are making a big difference for our collective safety and sense of belonging while also being agents for change to protect our environment,” said Melanie Mark, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. “Our government is proud of these organizations and thankful for their leadership to advance our CleanBC goals and anti–racism efforts to make our communities safer and more connected.”

In Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, the Chinese Community Policing Centre, Grandview-Woodland Community Police Office and Strathcona Community Safety Association are receiving $126,400 in total in grants for public safety work.

Another three local not-for-profits in the riding are receiving $259,000 in total for environmental initiatives such as ecosystem conservation, education,

and outreach programs. These include the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), the EYA Environmental Youth Alliance Society and the Recycling Council of British Columbia.

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.