Wednesday, April 28, 2021 – District of Sooke Mayor and Council recognize the many not-for-profit organizations providing extremely valuable contributions to our community. Each year a portion of the budget is set aside for community support funding, and applications are carefully considered that contribute to the well-being of the community. Small grants are available to encourage programs that enhance the quality of life for Sooke residents in the areas of:
- Arts and culture;
- Community development, including promotion, economic development and beautification;
- Environmental sustainability;
- Heritage;
- Public safety and;
- Sports and recreation.
The grant recipients for 2021 are:
- Amber Academy Fine Arts Society: $4,050
- Bike Victoria Society: $1,300
- Edward Milne Community School Society: $3,500
- FED Urban Agriculture Society: $5,000
- Harmony Project Sooke: $4,000
- Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues: $200
- Kids Quest Childcare: $2,000
- Navy League of Canada – Sooke Branch: $2,000
- NEED 2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support: $3,500
- Royal Canadian Legion: $6,000
- Sooke Bike Club: $5,000
- Sooke Family Resource Society – Caring for Community: $7,000
- Sooke Family Resource Society – Prenatal Programming: $7,000
- Sooke Family Resource Society – Youth Navigator: $7,000
- Sooke Festival Society: $3,000
- Sooke Harbour Players: $3,000
- Sooke Region Food CHI: $1,600
- Sooke Shelter Society: $7,000
- Sooke Tennis and Pickleball: $6,000
- Sooke Transition Town Society: $750
- Sunriver Community Gardens – Meals on Wheels: $725
- T-Sou-ke First Nation: $5,000
- Vancouver Island South Film & Media Commission: $2,000
- Victoria Brain Injury Society: $2,300
In addition to the budgeted community support program allotment, the District allocated $37,225 from the COVID Safe Restart Reserve Fund to assist several of these organizations. The COVID Safe Restart Reserve Fund is available to aid programs supporting vulnerable populations, persons living with disabilities, mental illness and addictions, and persons experiencing homelessness.
By utilizing a combination of funding options, $15,500 remains in the 2021 budget for community support funding. With uncertainties due to the pandemic, Council will revisit the use of these remaining funds later in the year.
Quote:
Mayor Maya Tait –
“This has been an extraordinary time. The commitment from numerous organizations to support our community has been truly remarkable. On behalf of Council, I share my appreciation and gratitude for all that you do to enhance Sooke’s inclusivity, vibrancy, and community well-being.”
Learn more:
- District of Sooke Budget Community Grant Program
- Video Recording: Special Council Meeting April 27, 2021 Community Grants
- Service Agreement Update Report to Council
Further to the community grant program, the District has service agreements with Sooke Region Tourism Association (SRTA), Sooke Regional Historial Society (SRHS), Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN), Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce, Sooke Community Association (SCA), Sooke Lions, and Sooke Food Bank.
Contact:
Christina Moog, District of Sooke Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678 l e: cmoog@sooke.ca
