Now “anyone can join” and not be left out of recreational programs due to financial hardship.
Oliver Parks and Recreation is expanding the “Any Child Can Join” program to include adults (people over 18).
The program is designed to help subsidize individuals who can’t afford to pay the fees.
Recreation manager Carol Sheridan said there is an application that people can fill out to utilize the subsidy.
The non-invasive application asks people what amount they can contribute, and if a monthly payment plan is an option. It also asks applicants if exchanging volunteers hours for services would be an option.
Individuals are eligible for up to $150 of funding assistance per calendar year to be used for programs and services.
“We want people to be healthier, and this is not a huge onus on the taxpayer,” Sheridan said.
She noted that the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association has donated $3,300 towards the program.
Parks and Recreation board member Jack Bennest said they are not giving everyone a free pass, noting this program is an exception to the rule.
Board chair Sheila Lange suggested asking applicants what their approximate income is. She noted there should be some mechanism to “filter out” the people looking for a freebie.
“I just want to make it fair by helping the people who need it the most,” Lange said.
But Bennest said he wasn’t in favour of asking people what their income is, noting that recreation staff should make that judgment call.
