KELOWNA – Nine community organizations received a total of more than $288,275 in gaming grants as part of the province’s Community Gaming Grant Program.

The B.C. government awarded grants to the following community organizations:

-  Okanagan Artists Alternative Association $32,000
-  Kiwanis Music Festival Society of Kelowna $20,000
-  Ogopogo Summer Swim Club $32,400
-  The Okanagan Festival Singers $10,000
-  Kelowna Canada Day Concerts Society $9,200
-  Kelowna International Choir Society $5,600
-  Winfield and District Minor Hockey Association $36,575
-  Central Okanagan Wrestling Association $14,100
-  Kelowna United Football Club $19,200


“These financial contributions will provide great opportunities for activity and sport in our communities,” Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson said. “I am looking forward to enjoying many of these exceptional events and activities.”

“I am thrilled that six organizations in Kelowna Lake Country are able to access funds through this program,” Kelowna–Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick said. “This $288,275 is a significant contribution to sport and the arts in our communities.”

“The Kiwanis Music Festival Society of Kelowna is just one example of Kelowna’s thriving arts community,” said Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. “Between sporting events and the arts, there’s a lot to look forward to this summer.”

These grants are awarded under the Sport and Art categories of the Community Gaming Grant Program, which allows non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Gaming Grants are also awarded in the categories of Public Safety, Environment and Human and Social Services.

“We are delighted that we have been awarded $9,200 for the Arts and Culture Grant, and wish to fully recognize the support and acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia,” Janet Camplin said, a director with Kelowna Canada Day Concerts Society. “KCDCS encourages Young Artists to perform as soloists and student musicians to participate and gain experience with the full symphony orchestra attended by a large enthusiastic audience.”

In the 2012/13 fiscal year, our government distributed a total of $135 million in gaming grants for eligible community programs and services.

Organizations interested in applying for Community Gaming Grants can find full application information at gaming.gov.bc.ca.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014