Community Relations: Port Angeles, Prince Rupert

Port Angeles Launches 2016 Community Partner Program

The board of commissioners of the Port of Port Angeles has unanimously agreed to continue the port’s Community Partner Program in 2016.

The program offers matching funds of up to $65,000 for use in trade promotion, tourism promotion, public education & awareness and economic development projects for small cities and communities in Clallam County. An eligible Clallam County community is defined as:

• A public or non-profit group
  
• An incorporated or unincorporated small city of no more than 10,000 residents
  

Small cities and non-profits may submit proposals to the port by February 29 for screening and prioritization. Port staff will forward eligible proposals to the board. The board then selects the community or communities and awards funds to the most worthy proposals, no later than April 15. Each small city or non-profit then has until the end of the calendar year to spend the project money and submit supporting documentation to the port for reimbursement. Launched just a year ago, the program in 2015 funded projects ranging from audio visual equipment, to tourism signage, to exhibit lighting.

Prince Rupert: Hockey Goals Help Build Healthy Community through Port Sponsorship

As the Prince Rupert Rampage hockey club kicked off the 2015/2016 post-season at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre against the Terrace River Kings, the Prince Rupert Port Authority announced a significant charitable contribution related to the team's accomplishments.

As title sponsor of the Rupert Rampage for the past three seasons, the port authority renewed its commitment to donate $100 to the Prince Rupert Salvation Army for each home game goal scored by the team during the regular season. Presenting a check to Captain Gary Sheils of the Salvation Army during the first intermission for a total of $4,300, the port announced it will kick in an additional $200 for each home game playoff goal by the Rampage this month.

"It continues to be a pleasure to partner with this enthusiastic and community-minded hockey club," said Ken Veldman, the port authority’s director of public affairs. "Through their dedication to the team and the many extracurricular events they participate in, these young men are incredible supporters of our community. Whether they’re killing power plays or throwing their weight behind causes like child literacy, we’re proud of their performance both on and off the ice."

The financial contribution to Prince Rupert's Salvation Army benefits thousands of families each year by helping fund the city's only food bank, which serves in excess of 50,000 meals annually. The Christmas Hamper Program also helps families during the holidays with presents for children and food hampers.

"The generosity we are shown each year by the residents and businesses of Prince Rupert is truly remarkable, and the goal-scoring program is quite literally a win-win for the community," said Capt. Sheils. "Last year's donation went a long way to improving the quality of life for hundreds of people in the community, and we are thankful to have that support continue this season."