By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle

The Oliver Ambassador program is hoping to get more funding from the town to help cover an anticipated deficit. 

Lori Martine, coordinator for the Oliver Ambassador Program asked the town to increase the program’s share of the town’s Grant in Aid, to help cover the deficit. 

The program currently receives $2,000 annually from the town. Martine did not ask for a specific dollar amount to be added but noted that they anticipate a $2,500 deficit in 2025. 

The Oliver Ambassador program receives Grant in Aid from the Town of Oliver and the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS). Their other funding comes from profits from their annual gala, people’s choice boxes, and a silent auction. These funds cover uniforms, travel, food and event fees. 

After commenting on the value of the program to the town, Councillor Aimee Grice explained that she would like to see the Oliver Ambassador Program become a line item in the budget.

Since the town gives out the money every year, this move would stop Martine from reapplying for the money every year. 

“I think investing in our youth has exponential value and would benefit the community as a whole if we did that.”

Mayor Martin Johansen also praised the program, saying “your program is well worth the funding we provide for sure; the value is there.” 

The request for an increase in funding is for the 2025 year, and so council will discuss the program during their budget talks which will be held in early 2025. 

Martine explained that they are looking at other ways to increase and enhance their budget. They are looking at things such as a local small business annual sponsorship, potential corporate annual sponsorship, increasing candidacy sponsorship to $500, and limiting candidate gala attendance. 

“We just don’t want to over-tax our community,” Martine explained. 

Councillor David Mattes suggested they look at placing a budget line item for the program under the Oliver Parks and Recreation section so that it could be jointly paid for by the RDOS and the Town of Oliver.