Multicultural parties, a speaker series and goalie gear are among the activities and items getting Spirit of Coquitlam grants.
The list of groups receiving money in the program’s spring intake was OK’d by city council at Monday’s meeting (June 19).
Totalling $187,971, the grants aim to build community spirit with public art, sports, festivals, events and capital projects.
The funding comes from the city’s deal with the provincial government to host Hard Rock Casino Vancouver, a gambling venue.
According to a report from Lanny Englund, Coquitlam’s general manager of parks, recreation, culture and facilities, more than 200 organizations have won a Spirit Grant since the casino opened in 2002.
The most recent recipients are:
- Kinsmen Club of Coquitlam: $9,555 (community BBQ trailer repairs and storage)
- Tri-City Transitions Society: $25,000 (playground and respite space for transition house backyard)
- Eagle Ridge Elementary School PAC: $1,222 (cooking equipment for school and community events)
- Evening Optimist Club of Coquitlam: $800 (free public skate)
- Fraser Pacific Rose Society: $2,259 (tools for Centennial Rose Gardens and public workshops)
- Immigrant Link Centre Society: $10,000 (pilot zero food waste certificate program)
- Inlet Rowing Club: $7,547 (Global Youth Rowing Project for equity-deserving students at Coquitlam high schools)
- Kateslem Youth Society: $5,000 (pilot personal hygiene hamper program for vulnerable youth)
- SHARE Family and Community Services: $10,000 (pilot Schools Out Summer Camp for refugee tweens)
- Third Bridge Foundation: $2,923 (Hope Movie Nights for newcomers to Canada)
- Tri-Cities Single Parents and Children Support Society: $3,476 (pilot One-on-One legal guidance program)
- Afghan Diaspora of Vancouver: $11,180 (ADOV annual festival)
- Austin Heights BIA: $15,000 (annual HollyDaze in the Heights winter festival)
- Blackout Arts Society: $15,000 (Echoes from Faraway Cities documentary theatrical production)
- Diwali Celebration Society: $15,000 (Colour Fest)
- Low Entropy Foundation: $20,000 (VoiceStory 10-part speaker series)
- Port Coquitlam Arts Council: $824 (Troupe de Poetry show)
- Rochester Elementary PAC: $4,000 (Rochester carnival)
- Vancouver Jingyun Opera Association: $12,621 (Beijing operatic performance)
- Coquitlam Minor Softball Association: $5,364 (U9 and U11 softball tournament)
- Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse Association: $5,000 (goalie equipment)
- Eire Pacific Dance Society: $3,100 (dresses)
- Tri-Cities Female Ice Hockey Association: $3,100 (goalie equipment)
The next round of applications for the Spirit of Coquitlam program is in the fall. Visit coquitlam.ca/spiritgrants for details on eligibility.
