Seven Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) in the South Cariboo recently shared a total of $24,700 in Community Gaming Grant funding from the provincial government.
Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) PAC co-chair Lauren Bock says the $9,120 in gaming grants it received will be put to good use.
While the group is still determining specific uses, and will respond to requests from various student groups over the school year, she confirms one already targeted will be financing an Honour Roll lunch.
"There are all these other things that are offered that are only viable because of extra funding like the gaming grants.
"It definitely gives more kids across-the-board opportunity – not just kids whose parents can afford to put them into any kind of extra-curricular activities."
She notes past uses have included a variety of activities and programs.
"Last year, all the girls were able to go and get some basic information on self defence."
The money is spread across the student body as much as possible, she adds, with other past dollars going to the PSO Rowing Club, a trip to Educo Outdoor Adventure School, free student lunches and other activities.
100 Mile Elementary PAC treasurer Jennifer Cooper says no firm decisions have been yet been made, but the group hopes to use much of their $6,460 toward new playground equipment.
Some older equipment urgently needs replacing, she explains.
"It's supposed to be removed, because it's not up to standards anymore."
The PAC has been fundraising for the project for some time now, through bake sales and so on, she notes, but really does need significant funding like this grant to help make it happen.
Mile 108 Elementary PAC president Jessica McNeil says part of its latest influx of $4,040 in gaming grants will be used toward classroom equipment for students.
"One of the things we are purchasing is a mobile computer lab for our school this year."
She adds the PAC is pleased to have gotten as much money as it did this time around, and is still discussing what other programs might benefit.
"Our enrolment is up a little this year, so that's how we got a little bit more."
PACs grants are given to each group based on student population, at $20 per student.
Others school parent groups who received gaming grants in the latest intake are Horse Lake Elementary PAC, $2,920; Buffalo Creek Elementary PAC, $900; Bridge Lake Elementary PAC, $740; and Lac la Hache Elementary PAC, $520.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says the gaming grants benefit many local groups through several intakes offered each year.
“It’s great to have some extra support for these wonderful organizations, and I’m glad to see PACs and community groups in Cariboo-Chilcotin getting funding through Community Gaming Grants.”