NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson, Doug Routley, and Adam Walker say $111,240 in funding will allow schools in Nanaimo to ensure that extracurricular activities are available for students once they can participate safely again.

Twenty-nine across Nanaimo are getting support, some of more than 1,300 parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs) around B.C. receiving funding through Community Gaming Grants in the 2020-21 school year.

Schools receive funding each year through PACs and DPACs to fund activities that benefit social, cultural and the physical health and well-being of students.Community Gaming Grants has made it a condition that all grant funding this year complies with Provincial Health Officer orders and is providing flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.

B.C.’s New Democrat government is focused on keeping people safe and healthy as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic, and build an economic recovery that works for everyone.

Quotes:

Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo:

“This year has been tough for all of us, and kids not being able to participate in extracurricular activities has put a strain on families. Our government is continuing to support Parent Advisory Councils so they can plan for a time when kids can once again play sports and attend band practice.”

Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan:

“Since day one, our government has been committed to investing in children and families. While we find ourselves in difficult times, our commitment remains to support school-based programming so students can grow and thrive.”

Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum:

“Taking part in extracurricular activities is so important to a child’s mental and physical development. Unfortunately, the pandemic has disrupted the delivery of these programs. This funding will ensure that when we begin to return to normalcy, plans will be in place for kids to take part in fulfilling after-school activities.”

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23409