Charities' Rep Hopeful For Future Of Gaming Grants

By Michelle Cyr-Whiting

Prince George, B.C. - The President of the Northern Interior Communities Association says the restoration of gaming grants to some local groups is a good first step...

NICA advocates on behalf of 90 local non-profits and charities.  President Shawn Bellamy says, "Premier Clark is holding true to her pledges and we're quite hopeful with the future of gaming, but we only see this as an initial start - there are still some sectors that are impacted and need to be addressed." 

The $15-million dollars in additional funding was earmarked for many groups who's programs involve youth and families.  Bellamy says many groups left off the list are still in dire straits.  "I foresee that some of these groups are still going to be heavily impacted by this and we still may see programs and services cut here."

"I know, for example, the Emergency Food Services Program with the Prince George Native Friendship Centre - although they received some transitional funding - they are still going to be heavily impacted," she says.  "Because it's not enough to completely cover the services of programs between now and their next funding application process."

But Bellamy is holding out hope that a more stable funding system may be on the horizon.  "My understanding, in speaking personally with Premier Clark, is that she's establishing a committee that is going to be spearheaded by a judge who is going to review not only the legislative and judicial act implications of everything, but, also, the overall big picture - how it will impact not only the province and the charities, but the economy as a whole."

"So hopefully we're going to be part of that process," says the NICA president.  "I'm still waiting to hear on that."

Meantime, there was some great news for the charity Bellamy works with, the Multicultural Heritage Society.  One of its primary projects is hosting the Canada Day celebrations in Fort George Park and the society saw some of its funding restored.

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