It’s been a busy last several weeks in the Shuswap, and I’m excited to give you all a brief update on recent happenings within our community.
As your member of the Legislative Assembly, one of the greatest parts of my job is spending time in communities throughout the Shuswap to take part in events and meet the people who I proudly represent.
In June, I was very pleased to announce that five Shuswap and North Okanagan non-profit societies had benefited from gaming grants totalling a whopping $157,200.
A list of these non-profits and the amount granted to them is below:
Interior Provincial Exhibition, Armstrong: $100,000;
Shuswap Minor Football Association, Salmon Arm: $13,900;
Shuswap District Arts Council, Salmon Arm: $25,800;
Shuswap Association of Writers, Salmon Arm: $3,500;
Arts Council of the South Shuswap Society, Tappen: $14,000.
Our local non-profits do outstanding work to improve and enrich our community, which is why I know these funds are in good hands. I am excited to see how these new resources are put to use and I would encourage all non-profits in the Shuswap area to learn more about how the province’s community gaming grants program may help benefit their organization.
In fact, I recently hosted a seminar advising local non-profits on how to best approach the gaming grant application process and look forward to putting on more of these events in the future.
In late May, I had the distinct pleasure of acting as a reviewing officer for the 1787 Rocky Mountain Rangers Army Cadet Corps in Salmon Arm and also attended the 222 Shuswap Squadron Air Cadet Corps’ annual review, both of which were recipients of gaming grants from the province.
These events reminded me of what fantastic programs the Royal Canadian Army and Air Cadet Corps are and the great opportunities they give to our youth to develop their leadership skills, explore the outdoors and better serve their community.
Next, I had the privilege of attending the star-studded premiere of Blackway, a thriller starring Anthony Hopkins, Julia Stiles and Ray Liotta, which was shot and debuted in Enderby.
The movie’s production was a big boost to local businesses and workers, and shows that B.C.’s film industry continues to boom as studios from around the world flock here to take advantage of our great local talent and beautiful scenery.
Finally, I had the opportunity to lead an announcement in Vancouver hosted by B.C. Transplant, celebrating the registration of B.C.’s one millionth registered organ donor.
I have been advocating for increased organ donor awareness and registration the past three years, and I’ve spoken many times in the past about the benefits of organ donation.
I encourage you to visit www.transplant.bc.ca, and register your decision. By registering to give the gift of life, we can contribute to healthier, longer lives for those in need.
These are just some highlights of all the events I had the pleasure of participating in over the past couple of weeks.
I also had the opportunity to meet with many constituents back in the Shuswap and hear their concerns, answer their questions and provide assistance where possible — a crucial part of any MLA’s job.
]I was also back in Victoria discussing the important issues affecting our communities and our province. I look forward to providing all of you with another update in the near future detailing the important discussions taking place.
Greg Kyllo is MLA for Shuswap.