Two Richmond organizations are receiving a share of the province’s gaming revenue, which will help them help fund renovations and purchase equipment.
The Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Society of British Columbia is receiving $26,230, while the Richmond Music School Society is receiving $40,000.
The funds come from the latest round of B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants, which, in total, provided $5 million to 45 not-for-profit groups for capital projects in 2021-22.
The funding is used to help local organizations make upgrades to their facilities and community infrastructure, update technology and buy vehicles and equipment for programs.
“The pandemic has highlighted a critical need and created an increasing demand for the kinds of services not-for-profits provide for people in British Columbia,” said Jodie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs, in a statement.
The ALS Society will use its grant funding to help purchase equipment for its equipment loan program warehouse, including a wheelchair and medical supply washing and sanitizing machine, IT equipment, a hydraulic table, washer and condensation dryer.
Previously, the ALS Society had contracted out for equipment storage and maintenance, but the contractor terminated that relationship. As a result, the organization decided to construct their own warehouse and purchase their own equipment.
Richmond Music School Society, meanwhile, is receiving $40,000 to renovate two studio rooms into four soundproofed studios.
The renovation will improve the acoustical problems in the studios and provide a proper learning environment for music education.
“I congratulate the successful applicants and applaud the gaming branch and provincial government for providing this opportunity for groups to access much-needed funding for critical capital projects that are essential for recovery and sustainability of the sector,” said Lawrie Portigal, vice-chair of the BC Association for Charitable Gaming, in a statement.
The Community Gaming Grants program has made it a condition that all grant funding through 2021-2022 comply with provincial health orders, and the program is providing flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.
The full list of recipients of the capital projects sector recipients can be found here.
