Local PACs receive gaming grants

Kids in B.C. will benefit from participation in a wide range of school activities thanks to Community Gaming Grants funding that is going to more than 1,300 school advisory councils.

“We’ve been through so much over these past couple of years, and parents have been champions in our schools, working hard to keep kids connected with safe and rewarding extracurricular activities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Activities like these provide tremendous benefits for children’s health and well-being, and they help keep students active and engaged in learning.”

In total, nearly $11 million in Community Gaming Grants is supporting parent advisory councils (PACs) and district parent advisory councils (DPACs) in the 2021-22 school year.

Locally, eight PACs in Merritt plus the Nicola Canford Elementary PAC in Lower Nicola received funding this year.

• Collettville $16,040
• CLC $4,360
• Diamond Vale $2,120
• Bench $3,900
• Central $7,040
• MSS $860
• DPAC $3,940
• SCIDES $820
• Nicola Canford $7,020

“Extracurricular activities are so important for students so they can connect with their friends and maintain their physical, social and mental health,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education. “Through Community Gaming Grants, PACs and DPACs across the province provide a wide range of extracurricular activities for students, allowing them to build new friendships, develop life skills and share more experiences together.