Break out the red and white streamers, fire up the barbie and get to know your neighbour. Richmondites will have an opportunity to do just that, and more, by receiving financial help from the City of Richmond to plan their own neighbourhood event or party to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017.
City council approved using $150,000 of gaming revenue from its Council Community Initiative Fund to provide grants of up to $10,000 to promote activities that celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial next year.
The Canada 150 Community Celebration Grant program is “envisioned to help small, Richmond-based, non-profit organizations, community associations and Richmond neighbourhood groups plan and execute activities and events,” noted a report from Jane Fernyhough, the city’s director of arts, culture and heritage services.
Examples of such activities include neighbourhood block parties, neighbourhood clean-ups, community festivals, organized picnics, sporting events (fun runs or a sports day) and community art projects.
The application deadline is July 11. Neighbourhood groups can also double down on funding by accessing the federal government’s Canada 150 grant program through Richmond Cares Richmond Gives. Email RichmondsCanada150@Richmond.ca for more information.
