B.C. New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu said she believes people in Vernon and the North Okanagan will benefit from provincial funding for community safety projects led by local organizations.
Provincewide, more than $8.2 million from seized proceeds of unlawful activity is supporting 173 community-led projects through the Civil Forfeiture Grant Program.
In the region, six projects are receiving a total of $267,291. Funding includes $140,000 for the Archway Society’s Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, $40,000 for a youth restorative justice project through CMHA Vernon and nearly $6,000 for event security through the Vernon Pride Society.
“Across Vernon and the North Okanagan, countless people rely on the compassion, care, and support provided by extraordinary community organizations that work tirelessly every day to lift people up,” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby said.
She added that these organizations are led by people who deliver life-changing programs for vulnerable members of the community.
“After recently meeting with many of these groups and hearing firsthand about the incredible impact they are making, I am deeply inspired by their commitment and the difference they bring to people’s lives every day,” she added.
Sandhu said using funds seized from criminal activity to strengthen and support these organizations is a powerful full-circle investment in the community, “turning harm into hope and helping ensure more people can access the care, support and opportunities they deserve.”
Projects receiving this funding will focus on areas including crime prevention, Indigenous healing, restorative justice, addressing gender-based and domestic violence, child and youth supports and addressing hate crimes.
This year, the new anti-hate funding stream is intended to support organizations and meeting places for groups that may be at higher risk of hate-motivated crimes. The B.C. government said eligible groups include LGBTQ2S+ communities, faith-based organizations and minority cultural groups.
