Money raised through the provincial government's civil forfeiture program will go to a trio of Prince George-based non-profit organizations to help counter local crime issues, violence against women and human trafficking.
Justice Minister and Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Shirley Bond announced the funding Friday.Here's a look:
- Prince George Community Policing is receiving $9,550 to host an annual city-wide crime prevention workshop for each of the next three years in partnership with the RCMP and the City of Prince George.
This year's topics include property crime, home security, frauds and scams, personal safety, internet safety, anti bullying and gang violence. Participation in the Block Watch program will also be promoted.
- The Prince George Native Friendship Society is receiving $20,000 to host three graduated 12-week session of intensive group programing for aboriginal woman impacted by violence in their relationships.
- Prince George New Hope Society is receiving $19,384 a community development project around human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Northern B.C.
The project will include a needs assessment, safety audit, a community action plan and a media campaign.
As well, Vancouver-base Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities (MOSAIC) is receiving $35,000 to provide outreach to South Asian women in Prince George, Kelowna and Victoria affected by domestic violence and not able to access culturally and linguistically sensitive services.
In all, 81 grants worth nearly $1 million were announced Friday for crime reduction programs across the province.
As a result of legislation that came into effect nearly seven years ago, the director of civil forfeiture can initiate civil court proceedings against property believed to be the instruments or proceeds of crime.
