Eighteen Penticton organizations will split $381,700 in the latest round of gaming grants handed out by the provincial government.
Across British Columbia, 180 recipients will share $4,270,486 this year from provincial gaming revenue. These funds are the second announced for the new fiscal year, which started April 1, 2011, fulfilling the last of the provincial government’s three-year commitment to gaming grants.
The largest allotments will be going towards the Okanagan Indian Education Resources Society with $50,000, the Okanagan Symphony Society with $45,000 and the Penticton Art Gallery Society with $40,000.
“It’s important recognition for charitable non-profits,” said Rosemarie Fulbrook, the administrator of the Penticton Art Gallery Society who has been with them for 15 years. “Without funding, it’s very difficult to sustain and build on previously established organizations.”
The grants will allow local organizations to help create healthier communities and provide beneficial services for families in 6,000 communities across British Columbia.
“These organizations run the gamut from sports and athletics to community arts and culture — but the common thread is the positive difference they make for the lives of Penticton families,” said Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff.
The budget had originally called for $120 million in gaming grants for 2010/11 but in March Premier Christy Clark added an extra $15 million.
Other provincial gaming grant recipients include the Okanagan School of the Arts ($15,000), Penticton Minor Baseball Association ($22,200), both Penticton and Summerland Community Arts Councils ($27,500 and $25,000), Penticton and District Multicultural Society ($15,000), Penticton Academy of Music ($15,000), Apex Ski Club ($20,000), Summerland Orca Swim Club ($15,000), Penticton Peach Festival Society ($7,000), Nickel Plate Cross Country Ski Club ($12,000), KISU Swim Club ($20,000), Summerland Figure Skating Club ($15,000), Hellenic Community Society of Penticton ($10,000), Kettle Valley Railway Society ($13,000) and the SS Sicamous Restoration Society ($15,000).
For more information about provincial gaming grants visit www.pssg.gov.bc.ca.