A new vehicle to be used by staff of a thrift store and money to help cover and gas and other expenses for volunteer drivers who transport cancer patients to and from appointments are among the destinations for a total of $17,100 in grants from the city of Port Moody.
The four community groups and non-profit organizations getting money are:
• Share Family and Community Services, which will use the $10,000 grant it was awarded to replace a vehicle for its Share'd Treasures Thrift Store;
• Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, which will reimburse drivers for minor expenses and fuel with its $1,000 grant;
• Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society, which will use its $5,000 grant to help pay for honorariums for environmental speakers through the year, community nature walks and weekly Salmon Sunday community drop-ins at its Mossom Creek hatchery;
• And PoCoMo Meals on Wheels Society, which received $1,100 to supplement the cost of meals it delivers to clients who can’t get out easily or cook for themselves.
The grants are awarded to groups that benefit local residents and businesses, as determined by the city’s community advisory group. The volunteer body of more than 250 residents reviewed 21 applications for consideration of factors such as: their demonstrated need; how the benefits will be directed towards youth, people with disabilities and seniors; and how much of the money will be spent in Port Moody.
According to comments by members of the advisory group included in its recommendation to the city’s finance committee, it wasn’t an easy decision.
“All organizations applying are deserving of support,” one said.
“That was a challenging exercise,” another said.
The deadline to apply for community grants each year is Jan. 31. To find out more about the program, go to portmoody.ca/communitygrants.
