March 15, 2005
After School Program to Help Children from Lower Income Families Receives $50,000 Grant from Harry Bloy
Coquitlam – Today, Harry Bloy, MLA for Burquitlam, presented Mountain View School Age Program with a grant for $50,000 to establish and operate an after school program for children from homes struggling with socio-economic issues at an assembly at Mountain View Elementary School.
The grant, whose funding falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, will afford children the opportunity to interact in a safe environment where they can foster their skills and develop friendships with fellow pupils. As the program has a policy of not turning children away due to financial reasons, this grant is vital to ensure the venture’s success.
“I am very happy that I am able to present this grant to the Mountain View School Age Program. Many people have worked very hard to see this program come to fruition,” said Bloy. “As a community, we have a social responsibility to make sure our children receive the best possible care and education. This $50,000 grant will help ensure this.”
The Mountain View School Age Program will operate at the Mountain View Elementary School. It is a partnership between SHARE Family and Community Services Society parents, the community, the school and the City of Coquitlam Leisure and Parks. It will serve children approximately 50 children between the ages of six to twelve.
The school’s catchment area has an inner-city designation with many children being members of lower income families and to whom English is a second language. Many of these children are at risk of developing anti-social traits including delinquent activities.
“Today’s true beneficiaries are the children. They deserve the right to be able to interact in a peaceful and supervised manner, free from the threat of harm and danger,” added Bloy.
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