SURREY – New Democrat MLAs Harry Bains, Garry Begg, Jagrup Brar, Bruce Ralston, Jinny Sims, and Rachna Singh are welcoming $374,700 in funding for eight not-for-profit organizations in Surrey. The organizations, which provide environmental and public safety services, are receiving funds through the Community Gaming Grants program.
The recipients of the community grant funding are:
- British Columbia Conservation Foundation
- Save Animals through Rescue and Adoption (S.A.R.A.)
- Semiahmoo Peninsula Marine Rescue Society
- Surrey Amateur Radio Club
- Surrey Community Cat Coalition Foundation
- Surrey Crime Prevention Society
- The BC Wildlife Federation
- Urban Safari Rescue Society
In 2019-20, the province is providing approximately $4.6 million to more than 135 organizations in the environment sector. Environmental programming gives British Columbians the opportunity to learn about and connect with nature. The grants also support wildlife rehabilitation programs and shelters for animals.
The province is also providing approximately $5.6 million to nearly 125 organizations in the public safety sector. Through public safety programs, non-profit organizations provide emergency and lifesaving services including search and rescue activities, volunteer fire departments, emergency preparedness, and community and restorative justice for people across the province.
The Community Gaming Grants program provides up to $140 million to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia each year.
Quotes:
“The strength of Surrey is its people who are working together to make our communities healthier, safer and more environmentally sustainable,” said Harry Bains, MLA for Surrey-Newton. “I am proud that our government is supporting and celebrating volunteers whose work make all of our lives better.”
“British Columbians are blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural spaces and wildlife on the planet and we have a responsibility to protect and enhance those spaces for this and future generations,” said Garry Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guilford. “Our government is proud to help the people who do this important work making our province more environmentally sustainable.”
“I am proud of the work done in Surrey to build healthier, safer and more environmentally sound communities,” said Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood. “Our government is making people’s lives better by supporting those organizations that are building a better British Columbia.”
“We all have a responsibility to serve as stewards of our wildlife, natural spaces and waterways while ensuring Surrey communities are healthy and safe,” said Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley. “It’s fantastic that our government is investing in organizations that make people’s lives better.”
“Volunteers who work for not-for-profit organizations in Surrey are among our province’s greatest resources,” said Jinny Sims, MLA for Surrey-Panorama. “I am proud that our government is supporting organizations that make our communities a safer place to live.”
“Our government is helping people by building safer and more environmentally sustainable communities,” said Rachna Singh, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers. “This critical support will help organizations in Surrey continue to do the outstanding and tireless work that makes people’s lives better.”
Learn More:
For more information about B.C. Community Gaming Grants, visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/gaminggrants.
The full list of Public Safety and Environment sector grants is available online at: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CGG_2019_Public%20Safety_Environment_Grant_Awards_Backgrounder.pdf