Two Burnaby societies are among 51 not-for-profit organizations across B.C. set to benefit from the latest round of provincial gaming grants.
posAbilities Association of British Columbia and Odd Squad Productions Society are set to receive $84,189 and $43,825 respectively.
With the funding, posAbilities will be able to acquire new computers and software to grow its new hybrid model of service that was started during COVID-19.
Odd Squad Productions was seeking funding to buy a variety of equipment for its edit suite, training floor and woodworking equipment for youth day camps.
Equipment includes a projector with a mount, screen, four speakers with brackets, a standup desk, two hard drive storage towers, woodworking equipment, an Apple TV, mixer and subwoofer.
The society notes the increased opioid crisis for support for increased need of the kind of youth services provided.
"Not-for-profit organizations are at the heart of fostering healthy, connected and safe communities in B.C.," said Nathan Cullen, municipal affairs minister, in a news release today (May 24).
"This $3.8 million in extra funding will help organizations buy equipment and make renovations to brighten our communities and give people safer, improved access to key services and programs."
The latest grants are in addition to $5 million in capital funding for 45 not-for-profit groups announced in January 2022.
"Many non-profits are struggling with dwindling budgets because demand for their services has increased in the post-pandemic recovery period," added Niki Sharma, B.C.'s parliamentary secretary for community development and non-profits, in the release.
"Throughout the pandemic, non-profits continued to stock food banks, provide essential services such as child care, and help vulnerable people in need. Our government is supporting non-profits with Community Gaming Grants so they can continue to deliver the critical services British Columbians count on throughout the province."
