More than $676,000 has been earmarked for nine environmental and six public safety initiatives on the Sunshine Coast.
The funds come from the Community Gaming Grants, and are part of more than $12 million in new funding to support 281 non-profit organizations involved with public safety and environment programs.
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons welcomed the funds in a March 23 press release. “Our government understands the important role that local organizations play in community safety," he said. "Funding local organizations like the Sunshine Coast Marine Rescue Society will help ensure that volunteers are ready and able to keep people safe out on the water."
Safety
A total of $498,100 will fund public safety work from restorative justice to search and rescue on the Coast.
On the Lower Sunshine Coast, the funds include $44,700 to the Gibsons Marine Rescue Society, $40,000 and $33,000 to the Sechelt-based Sunshine Coast Marine Rescue Society, $26,000 for the Pender Harbour & District Marine Rescue Society, and $12,000 for the Sechelt-based Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast.
In the Powell River region, the funds are $123,000 and $119,900 for the British Columbia Search Dog Association, $95,500 for the Powell River Search and Rescue Society, and $4,000 for the Qathet Community Radio Society.
Environment
Several Sunshine Coast organizations are receiving funding for environmental initiatives that include animal protection, conservation or environmental awareness programs.
In Madeira Park, the Loon Foundation received $80,100. In Sechelt, $40,000 goes to the Sunshine Coast Salmonid Enhancement Society, $25,000 to the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, and $7,500 to the Society for Atmosphere Solutions. In Roberts Creek, the Jellyfish Project has been granted $16,000.
The Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society is receiving $9,500.
“Non-profits deliver vital programming that directly supports people throughout B.C. and we want to ensure they have the resources to continue,” Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, said in a press release. “Our government is committed to continued strong partnerships. The grants that we are announcing today will support 281 organizations across the province that will help make B.C. a stronger, healthier and more sustainable place to work, live and play.”
