MID-ISLAND – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says local organizations will be able to restore local ecosystems and keep people safe with funding from the Community Gaming Grants program for environmental and public safety initiatives.

“From the East Coast of the Island all the way to the West Coast, there are incredible sights to see,” said MLA Osborne. “And it’s important for all of us to enjoy these sights safely. The outdoors can be unpredictable, and that’s why I’m grateful to all of our search and rescue teams who get us the help we need, when and where we need it.”

In Mid-Island – Pacific Rim, seven community organizations are receiving over $240,000 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 local not-for-profit is receiving $21,000 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