The Regional District of Nanaimo board approved grants for organizations across the region totalling $108,066.09.
The awarded funds for the spring intake that was approved on June 14, will be used for a variety of community and recreation-focused projects. The grants were awarded through two funding streams: Community Grants and Oceanside Services Recreation Grants.
Community grants assist registered non-profit organizations to provide social programs and services that serve a local community or provide a regional benefit. Oceanside Services Recreation Grants provide funds to organizations requesting financial assistance to offer recreation programs, special events or projects which benefit specific communities or the District as a whole.
There are two categories in the recreation stream: youth specific (11-18 years) and community (all ages). The funding was awarded as follows:
· $69,250 in community grants were awarded to 24 organizations;
· $17,430 in Oceanside Recreation Services Youth Grants awarded to eight organizations;
· $21,386.09 in Oceanside Recreation Services Community Grants awarded to 10 organizations;
“We are fortunate to enjoy a wide range of programs, services and events that contribute to the livability in our region,” said Tyler Brown, RDN chair. “The RDN is pleased to award these grants to the recipient organizations whose work supports the health and social well-being of our residents.”
Spring 2022 Community Grant Recipients
· 2422 Royal Canadian Scottish Regiment Sponsoring Committee - Restructure storage space (shelving units, hangers, etc.): $1,318
· Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island - Two outdoor canopy tents to run outdoor activities: $2,000
· Cedar Farmers Market Agricultural Organization - Expand seating area for guests to enjoy free live music shows: $965
· Coastal Invasive Species Committee Society - Education and awareness, field programs, reporting and data management, including media campaigns, digital education and outreach, a reporting hotline, outreach events and invasive species treatment: $4,000
· District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC69) - Purchase of huka orthoros bike: $4,000
· Errington Preschool Parents Society - Art supplies and outdoor play equipment: $2,000
· Fairwinds Community Association - Equipping existing Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program Volunteers with essential equipment, gear and supplies in order to respond to urgent and immediate needs of neighbours in the event of an emergency disaster: $4,000
· Forward House Community Society - Upgrade equipment and purchase supplies for programs, as well as supplies to provide take-home kits for clients: $4,560
· Gabriola Arts Council - Purchase two folding garden carts for the annual Cultivate Festival to haul materials from one end of the site to the other; the carts will be available to the Gabriola Commons community to keep the Commons operating smoothly: $1,000
· Gabriola Historical & Museum Society (GHMS) - To install the Timber Frame Building donated by the Timber Frame School on Gabriola, and upgrade two public washrooms to be accessible and inclusive to all: $4,000
· Island Futures Society - To engage citizens via different forms of communication to play a role in achieving the envisioned goals of the Sustainable Gabriola Community Sustainability Plan: $2,000
· Mid-Island Air Search and Rescue Society - GPS units for navigators and ground teams: $4,265
· Mid-Island Farmers Markets - Rack cards to be distributed on/at BC Ferries, regional tourist centres, and six local farmer’s markets: $1,222
· Mudge Island Citizens Society (M.I.C.S.) - Purchase and install a propane generator, which would provide emergency power to a building which could be used as an emergency shelter: $4,000
· Nanaimo Foodshare Society - The development of proper infrastructure at the Five Acres Farm to make it a safe, inclusive, and educational space for everyone: $4,000
· Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District No. 68 - Outdoor classroom, outdoor playground: $4,000
· Nanoose Bay Lions Club - Breakfast and lunch materials, and equipment rental for food concession stands for the swap meet put on by the Vintage Car Club of Nanoose Bay: $1,900
· Nanoose Community Services Association (NCS) - Maintain current level of funding for the Food Voucher Program to offset rising costs, maintain annual funding to the Nanoose Bay Elementary to support low-income students, and pay for the Food Share Program: $4,000
· Oceanside Building Learning Together Society - Support the WOW bus which delivers the StrongStart BC program from SD69; this includes a food security and food literacy component for families in need to make healthy meals at home: $2,500
· Oceanside Hospice Society - Volunteer training: $2,500
· Parksville & District Historical Society - Creation of an immersive railway exhibit: $3,000
· Qualicum Community Education and Wellness Society - Creation of “conversation nooks” with a conversation host, to encourage conversations and social connections among community members: $520
· Take a Hike - Support the outdoor adventure-based learning component of the program, which will support up to 40 vulnerable youth in accessing the benefits of outdoor areas and recreation spaces: $4,000
The Friends of Nanoose Library Centre Society - Refurbish or replace exterior sign and landscaping: $3,500
Spring 2022 Oceanside Recreation Services Youth Grant Recipients
· Ballenas Secondary School - Ballenas Dry Grad Prom 2022: $2,500
· District Parent Advisory Council/DPAC 69 - Accessible bikes: $2,500
· Lighthouse Community Hall Society - Summer Break camp - Facility rentals and supplies: $2,500
· MAC School for the Creative Arts (OCAC) - Youth Art Lab - Program supplies and facilities: $2,500
· Oceanside Minor Softball Association - Training equipment: $2,000
· Ravensong Aquatic Club - Ravensong pool rental: $2,500
· Sources Community Resource Centre - Youth events – Supplies and transportation costs: $2,500
· Town of Qualicum Beach - Qualicum Beach Family Day - Ravensong pool rental fees: $430
Spring 2022 Oceanside Recreation Services Community Grant Recipients
· Bow Horne Bay Community Club - Dog Days of Bowser: $1,400
· Bow Horne Bay Community Club - Lighthouse Country Fall Fair: $2,500
· Bowser Tennis Club - Purchase of windscreens: $2,500
· Forward House Community Society - Recreational outings: $2,413.59
· MAC School for the Creative Arts (OCAC) - Creative Kids Program - Program supplies: $2,500
· Parksville Lawn Bowling Club - Mobility aids for lawn bowling: $780
· Parksville Seniors Activity and Drop-in Centre - Yoga equipment: $892.50
· Town of Qualicum Beach - Beach Day 2022 - Equipment rental, advertising, transportation: $1,000
· Qualicum Beach Seniors’ Activity Centre - Participant financial assistance: $2,400
· Oceanside BMX - Vandalism repairs - Equipment rentals, materials: $2,500
· Oceanside Track and Field - Throwing circle - Concrete pad replacement: $2,500
The next RDN grant application deadlines are: Oceanside Community Safety Grants: Aug. 26; Electoral Area A Recreation and Culture Grants, Sept. 30; Oceanside Recreation Services Grants: Oct. 3; and Community Grants: April 28, 2023.
For grant application forms and general grant information, visit rdn.bc.ca/grants.
— NEWS Staff