TFN among recipients of $2.2 million in emergency prep funding

MARK BOOTH mbooth@delta-optimist com

Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is among nearly 60 recipients of more than $2 2 million in provincial funding to improve and modernize emergency support services for people evacuated from their homes during emergencies

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) supports communities to expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment, retention and training, including in-house training, and the purchase of ESS equipment

“British Columbians who are forced to evacuate their homes often rely on provincially funded emergency support services that are delivered in partnership with First Nations and local governments,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, in a news release “This funding will help com- munities build up capacity to better deliver these supports to people during very stressful situations as we continue modernizing and improving ESS.”

Funding may be used for buying ESS supplies and equipment, training and exercises for ESS responders, responder recruitment and retention activities, and personal protective equipment for ESS responders.

TFN is receiving nearly $29,000 for ESS trailer supplies.

The funds will also support the modernization of local ESS programs to move toward digital registration and reporting through the Evacuee Registration and Assistance online tool. This will help communities move to online ESS registration and allow direct payment to evacuees Additionally, funding will focus on promotingknowledge sharing, enhancing mutual aid between communities, and allow applicants to act as host communities for evacuees

Bursaries are awarded annually by the Auxiliary. Open to students who have lived in Delta for the past two years and are entering or continuing in post secondary studies in the Healthcare Field

Closing date for applications is May 15, 2023

For more information and application forms visit www.deltahospitalauxiliary.org or email bursaries@dhas.ca