The Sooke Bike Club is ready to cycle some items off of its wish list, thanks to a grant from the District of Sooke.
The club received $7,000 through Sooke’s community grant program, the maximum amount it donates to organizations. It is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Sooke residents.
“We’re extremely grateful for the grant,” said Nicole Hoyer, events director for the Sooke Bike Club. “Any help we receive from the district or sponsors or the community goes a long way.”
The funds are earmarked for a variety of uses that include purchasing a large tent for club events, tools and safety signage for the volunteer crews that maintain bike trails, and the purchase of a bike for underprivileged child. Some of the money will also go toward hosting a Kids Bike Day at SEAPARC Recreation Centre, a popular event that club has hosted in the past.
The district’s community grants support a variety of initiatives, including arts and culture, community development, encompassing promotion, economic vitality, and beautification efforts, environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, public safety, and sports and recreation.
A spokesperson said the District of Sooke is proud to acknowledge the remarkable contributions made by numerous not-for-profit organizations to the community. This year, 24 deserving organizations were selected to receive a total of $100,810 through the annual Community Grant Program.
Funding for the grants is allocated from a combination of funding sources that include the district’s Community Grant Funding, which is capped at $65,000, the COVID Safe Restart Reserve Fund, and Council Contingency.
“That reflects our commitment to supporting community resilience and recovery,” the district spokesperson noted.
The Sooke Bike Club, which has about 200 members, is holding its annual general meeting on May 26 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the courtyard between The Bike Shack and Sooke Oceanside Brewing.
“We’re inviting anyone who wants to attend to join us,” Hoyer said. “We’re looking for new board members and have some great prizes to give away.”
For information on how to apply for a community grant, go to https://sooke.ca/i-want-to/apply/community-grant/.
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