By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle
Multiple grants have been awarded to not-for-profit organizations in the South Okanagan to support community programs and services focusing on arts, culture, and sports.
These Community Gaming Grants will bring a total of more than $50,000 to Oliver and Osoyoos.
The funding is part of the BC government’s $140 million annual support to the delivery of programs and services that meet the needs of BC communities.
The grants, totalling $3 million, support 117 not-for-profit organizations in the Interior that are focused on arts and culture.
These organizations range from focusing on theater and music, to cultural centres and museums.
One of the recipients, the Oliver Community Theatre Society, has been chosen to receive $8,000.
The Theatre Society said, “the money is a great help and is used to keep our ticket prices reasonable for our family shows and dance performances.”
The money will also go towards programming a vibrant performing arts series, and without the money they would have to reduce the number of presentations and raise ticket prices.
The grants also support 201 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to sports.
Five organizations in the South Okanagan received such grants including the Oliver Curling Club Society ($7,600), the South Okanagan Skating Club in Oliver ($12,000), the Osoyoos Lawn Bowling Club ($3,000).
The Osoyoos Curling Club Society ($11,000), and the Sun Bowl Skating Club in Osoyoos received ($9,000).
“People’s lives are enhanced by the sports, arts and cultural programming that not-for-profit organizations offer throughout British Columbia,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
“Healthy, vibrant communities are key to a healthy, vibrant province and these grants are one way our government is helping people in communities thrive.”
