Kelowna Groups Get More Than $417,000 in Funding

Kelowna sports, arts, and culture groups are getting a boost thanks to provincial grants.

The provincial community gaming grant program is giving out over $417,000 to 13 sports, arts, and culture groups in Kelowna. The largest grant this round is going to the Okanagan Symphony Society for $138,000. The group receiving the second largest amount is the Kelowna AquaJets Swim Club with $41,700. The next two groups are the Rutland Youth Association and the Thompson-Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League, both at $35,000.

Photo Credit: Okanagan Symphony Orchestra

“From the sights of our visual and performing arts groups, to the sounds of our talented symphony—we can be proud of Kelowna’s vibrant arts scene,” says Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson. “These funds will help these groups continue to inspire local audiences.”

“Sports are a great way to stay active and build important life skills,” says Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick. “Whether it’s youth soccer in Rutland or beginners’ figure skating in Winfield, these activities are helping kids have fun while developing healthy habits.”

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com

Organizations receiving grants:
Okanagan Symphony Society – $138,000
Kelowna Aqua-Jets Swim Club – $41,700
Rutland Youth Soccer Association – $35,000
Thompson-Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League – $35,000
Kelowna Visual & Performing Arts Centre Society – $31,400
Ogopogo Summer Swim Club – $31,200
Kelowna Ski Club – $30,600
Kiwanis Music Festival Society of Kelowna – $20,000
Kelowna Liedertafel Society – $15,000
Kelowna Minor Fastball Society – $12,000
Winfield Figure Skating Club – $11,025
Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club – $9,000
Telemark Nordic Club – $7,810

AquaJets swimmer at Canadian Senior Nationals. (Photo Credit: Kelowna AquaJets)

These grants allow non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues from the Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development. “Kelowna is a great place to live, work and of course, play—and it’s organizations like these that give people a chance to do just that,” says Premier Christy Clark, MLA for Westside-Kelowna. “These grants will support programs and services enjoyed by people of all ages.”

Community gaming grants are awarded in the categories of Arts and Culture; Sport; Public Safety, Environment; and Human and Social Services.