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Gaming grants focused on environment and public safety, say Chilliwack MLAs

Latest round of funding going to restore ecosystems, rescue animals, keep people safe
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Sonsie from the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) photographed on Nov. 12, 2014. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)

Community gaming grants to support environmental and public safety initiatives came through in the latest round of funding, say local MLAs.

New Democrat MLAs Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon announced gaming grant funding for a handful of organizations working to restore ecosystems, rescue animals, and keep people safe.

“It’s always inspiring to see the hard work that people in the community put towards public safety and the environment. Whether it’s a dedication to crime prevention, habitat protection, or making sure trails are safe for recreation, our government knows these small organizations help keep our communities running,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack.

The Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association, and the Coquihalla Summit Snowmobile Club, are receiving $39,000 and $17,500, respectively, for public-safety work like volunteer firefighting, marine and land search and rescue operations, crime reduction and restorative justice, and emergency response and communications.

Other groups receiving grants for environmental initiatives such as ecosystem conservation, animal welfare, and education and outreach programs include Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society, $58,500, and the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society, $20,000.

“It’s been a challenging year between the pandemic and unprecedented weather events, and it’s more important than ever to support those looking out for our environment and wildlife,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent.

More than $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.

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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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