Fraser Health has allocated a total of $32,325 from its Micro Health Grants to fund five projects.
Hope and Area Heathier Communities Network first vetted the applications before the steering committee made their decisions on funding last week.
Fraser Health announced a total of $50,000 for micro health grants in July, as part of a $500,000 grant to support different strategies. Currently, Fraser Health still has $17,675, and will continue accepting applications until that has been disbursed.
The following are the awardees, according to a press release by Fraser Health regional director Petra Pardy.
Food Security Coalition
Amount: $10,000 (maximum)
Recipient: AdvantageHOPE
Hope and Area Food Security Coalition, in partnership with the AdvantageHOPE and the University of Fraser Valley, are planning to lay the groundwork for a future Food Hub, including food reclamation and redistribution, a stronger local food system, and multi-generational programming to share knowledge and enhance food skills.
Silver Creek Playground
Amount: $10,000 (maximum)
Recipient: Silver Creek Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
This supports the first phase of the construction for a new playground for the Silver Creek community.
Pardy noted that the PAC have a phased approach, scaled to the amount of grant funding received.
Currently the community has no playground or safe play area for their child and youth population.
Physiotherapy Services
Amount: $6,000
Recipient: Hope Medical Centre
Hope Medical Centre will embark on a one-year project to attract physiotherapy resources to Hope.
They will buy minor equipment that will be stored in the medical centre.
The funds will also pay for the travel costs of the physiotherapist, who will come from another community, twice a week.
Parent Wellness Circle
Amount: $4,325
Recipient: Hope Community Services
Hope Community Services will use the funds to hire a facilitator on a short-term basis who is well trained in mental health issues to lead and recruit parent volunteers to initiate a wellness circle.
The intention is to use the parent volunteers to facilitate the circle once trained.
Pardy added that parenting programs have proven to be effective in improving the short-term psychosocial health of mothers, helping reduce depression, anxiety or stress, and improving self-esteem and relationships.
Trauma Support
Amount: $2,000
Recipient: Victim Services
Hope’s Victim Services will use the funds to train more staff and work with crisis volunteers in supporting victims and their families in post-traumatic events.