The New Westminster Amateur Radio Club is among the 250-plus not-for-profit organizations across B.C. that are receiving community gaming grants to support environmental conservation and public safety programs.
According to the New Westminster Amateur Radio Club website, the group was created to promote the hobby of amateur/ham radio and emergency communications. It has received an $8,000 community gaming grant for emergency radio communications.
“The pandemic has reminded us how important it is to stay connected to our loved ones and communities,” New Westminster MLA Jennifer Whiteside said in a news release. “In an emergency, the New Westminster Amateur Radio Club provides additional communications support, and I’m pleased that we are able to aid them their work.”
The province is providing grants for public safety work, such as volunteer firefighting, marine and land search and rescue operations, crime reduction and restorative justice, and emergency response and communications.
Local organizations enrich our communities,” said Richmond-Queensborough MLA Aman Singh. “From providing emergency services to teaching us about the environment, our government will be there to support these groups as we build a stronger B.C. for everyone.”
According to the province, Community Gaming Grants provide $140 million from gaming revenues annually to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations delivering services to people in B.C. communities. Organizations providing emergency and safety services are receiving approximately $5.5 million to deliver their community-led programs.
