The Cariboo Chilcotin branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association has received a grant of $49,000 from the province’s Community Gaming Grant program.
The funding will support the association’s outreach advocacy and support program, and the multiculturalism program.
“The outreach advocacy position links disadvantaged individuals to supports and services in the community, to help them navigate difficult systems, to assist in personal goal-setting and the development of expanded personal support networks,” said Bettina Egert, family counselor and program manager for multiculturalism and advocacy.
“The multiculturalism program contributes to the quality of life in the community by building social cohesiveness through events and projects that celebrate our diverse cultures, promote inclusivity and address racism.”
“Bettina Egert, Marilyn Livingston, Margaret Anne Anders, Tom Salley, and volunteers do amazing work for the people of Williams Lake and area,” Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett said. “Our government is proud to assist the Canadian Mental Health Association in Williams Lake to ensure it can continue its valuable work.”
The grant is awarded under the Human and Social Services category of the Community Gaming Grant program, which allows non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Gaming grants are also awarded in the categories of Public Safety, Sports and Arts and Culture, Parent Advisory Councils and District Parent Advisory Councils, and Environment.
Every year, the provincial government approves $135 million in gaming grants that benefit more than 5,000 local non-profit organizations that serve communities throughout British Columbia.