June 2, 2011
Lucky Twelve: Latest Gaming Grants Land on Abbotsford

ABBOTSFORD – Twelve organizations in Abbotsford and Mission will share $354,790 in the latest round of gaming grants announced today by the provincial government. 

Why this matters:

• Across British Columbia, 180 recipients will share $4,270,468 in this latest round of grants from provincial gaming revenue. 
• These gaming grants are the second announced for the new fiscal year, which began on April 1, 2011. This round of grants will help important local groups provide services for British Columbia families.
• With these grants the Province is fulfilling the last of its three-year commitment to gaming grants.
• Beneficiaries from these grants help create healthier communities and cover a broad range of interests, including sports; arts and culture; festivals; and parent advisory and district parent advisory councils. 

Quotes:

“These groups encourage Abbotsford youth to live active, healthy lives. This is a great investment in our future, and will ensure these organizations continue to contribute to the well-being of our community."
-Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong

"Our sports clubs are helping Abbotsford citizens get active and healthy. I'm pleased our government is supporting organizations like Agrifair, which enrich the quality of life for our residents."
-Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen

"These grants will make it much easier for youth to join sports clubs in our communities. It will help them build a healthy foundation and prepare for the future."
-Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes

Quick facts:

• In 2010/11, government distributed a total of $135 million in gaming grants. The original budget called for $120 million, but in March Premier Christy Clark added an extra $15 million.
• About 6,000 community groups across B.C. have benefited from these funds.

For more information:

Full application info for B.C. provincial government gaming grants is available online at: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/grants/

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