More than $260,000 in grants have been awarded to non-profits and community groups thanks to the 2014 Spirit of Coquitlam grant program, which is funded by the city's share of gaming income at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.
The largest amount went to the Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society, which will use the $30,620 for its Charshanbe Souri (Fire Festival) and Nowruz (New Year) celebrations.
Another $30,000 was granted to Coquitlam Search and Rescue towards the purchase of a mobile command centre.
Twenty-six groups received money from the program, which is funded by revenue from the casino on United Boulevard. Since 2002, $6.95 million has been granted to 170 groups.
Other new funding for capital projects includes:
$26,710 for communications equipment for the Coquitlam Amateur Radio Emergency Services Society;
$21,247 for a dragon boat acquisition for the Dogwood Seniors Society 'Nothin' Dragon' dragon boat team;
$14,880 in equipment for Coquitlam Youth Orchestra;
$13,806 in equipment for Tri-Cities Minor Ball Hockey Association;
$10,810 in equipment for Coquitlam-Moody Minor Baseball Association;
$9,554 in equipment for Coquitlam Sharks Aquatics Club;
$7,000 in equipment for Coquitlam Lions Water Polo Association;
$4,847 for uniforms and a technical advisor for Coquitlam Minor Softball Association;
$4,082 for jerseys for Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association;
$2,500 for playground accessibility and safety improvements for Step by Step Development Society;
and $2,000 for a park bench purchase for the Oakdale Neighbourhood Association.
Other festivals and events to receive money included the Daisy Day Festival ($8,340), the Coquitlam Skating Club Ice Show ($15,000), the 36th annual Toy Run ($3,700) and the Optimist Club's free family skate ($1,136).
Grant applicants must have outcomes that align with the city's goals. Staff review the applications and forward their recommendations to council.
@GMcKennaTC
