Myung Lee, executive director of Smithers Community Services. The SCSA will receive $37,500 in gaming grants this year. (Submitted photo)

Myung Lee, executive director of Smithers Community Services. The SCSA will receive $37,500 in gaming grants this year. (Submitted photo)

BC grants to help boost local community organizations in Stikine

The Community Gaming Grants will help deliver programs that improve people’s quality of life

Social services organizations in northern British Columbia will be getting a huge boost thanks to Community Gaming Grants.

Nearly $61 million in grants will support various non-profit organizations throughout the province, including local organizations in Stikine, in delivering vital programs that improve people’s quality of life, according to a press release.

“Local organizations in northern communities especially are such a vital channel for people to access programs and services they need,” said Nathan Cullen, MLA for Stikine.

This year’s $61 million in social services funding comes out of the annual $140 million that is distributed to non-profit organizations in B.C.

Gaming grants also support arts, culture and sports programs among other things.

Five organizations in Stikine will be receiving almost $185,000 in funding for human and social services, such as providing public outreach and education to under-served groups.

“I’m thrilled to see non-profits like the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre receive Community Gaming Grants to continue their ongoing important work they do for this community,” Cullen said.

The Dze l K’ant Friendship Centre Society will receive $80,800 in funding.

Other organizations receiving funding from the grants include:

Smithers Community Services Association: $37,500

Northern Society for Domestic Peace: $32,000

Stewart Community Connections Society: $20,000

Treehouse Housing Association: $14,350