Off The Wall Funding

Posted on 4/1/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
Vernon is getting a civil forfeiture grant that could lead to less graffiti in the city. Venron Monashee MLA Eric Foster has announced $6,529 for the Off the Wall Project. He says the Community Policing Office will provide a workshop to schools and teen centres on graffiti vandalism prevention. Young people that have been in conflict with police -- or could be -- will be targeted for the program. “This is a great, proactive approach for preventing youth from getting into trouble with the police,” says Foster. “It is important that youth learn the social, moral and legal consequences of graffiti vandalism. This will help them make the right choices and help promote a more welcoming and supportive community in Vernon.” Tanya Laing Gahr, communications and grant coordinator with the City of Vernon, says the grant will allow them to engage youth in a way that provides them with mentorship opportunities and tools to be creative in a way that builds self-respect, self-esteem, confidence and community pride. Funding for the grants comes from profits seized by the government from illegal activities.