SUNSHINE COAST – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons 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.

“In our communities, on the water, or along the Sunshine Coast Trail, people want to be safe and protect the environment around them,” said MLA Simons. “We have incredible organizations up and down the Coast doing exactly that, and I’m glad that we’re able to provide support for their important work.”

On the Sunshine Coast, four community organizations are receiving $89,000 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 seven local not-for-profits are receiving nearly $132,000 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