Each year, the City of Kamloops issues a call for proposals for registered charities and non-profit agencies in our community to apply for Social and Community Development Grants, which are intended to fund special projects, operational costs, and/or capital expenditures that address specific current social problems and/or issues related to the City’s Social Plan or the Livability and Sustainability pillar of the Council Strategic Plan.
The Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society received a $3,500 Social and Community Development Grant in 2023. This is how the grant was used:
Submitted by Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society
During summer 2023, our Yoga in the Park program took place 6:00–7:00 pm every Wednesday from June 7 to July 26 at McDonald Park. The event was open to all residents and ages.
The grant allowed us to provide free yoga to the community by hiring an instructor and photographer, purchasing gifts and honorariums, creating advertising, and renting a sound system for each session.
On average, we welcomed an impressive 150 attendees for each session. This high turnout demonstrates the community's strong interest and engagement in the program, which aligns with our goal of fostering community involvement.
A noteworthy aspect of our success this year was the tremendous support from local businesses. More than 10 businesses generously donated draw prizes with a total value exceeding $2,000. The prizes added excitement to our sessions and strengthened our ties with the local business community, contributing to the program’s overall success.
One of the most gratifying outcomes of the program was the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from participants. Their testimonials and comments highlighted the physical and mental well-being benefits they derived from the sessions.
"Wonderful experience. The atmosphere was welcoming, the instructor was hilarious and so encouraging. I loved all the adaptations to allow everyone to be able to engage at their comfort level. Every dollar counts right now and to be able to come together as a community to participate in such a positive welcoming activity was so deeply appreciated. Thank you." – from a participant.
To learn more about this Social and Community Development Grant, visit Kamloops.ca/Grants. To view stories on how other groups used their Social and Community Development Grants, visit Kamloops.ca/CityStory.
