NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: November 29, 2007 (2007FOR0178-001544)

Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister responsible for Housing

PROVINCE GIVES $2M FOR BURN SURVIVORS' HOUSING

VANCOUVER – A $2-million grant from the Province’s Housing Endowment Fund is being awarded to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund Building, a development that will provide eight units to accommodate burn survivors and their families during treatment periods.

 “The Burn Fund Building will be the first of its kind in North America and embodies what we are trying to achieve with the Housing Endowment Fund,” said Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman, who was on hand to present a $2-million cheque on behalf of the Province. “We are pleased to help provide caring and comfortable housing for burn survivors and their families while undergoing treatment.”

The Burn Fund Building will also include a research laboratory facility for clinical trials in burn and wound healing, community and lecture rooms and an interactive multi-media educational/resource component. The City of Vancouver and the Burn Fund are working to find a suitable site, and the City will consider providing a site to the Burn Fund as part of its ongoing partnership withthe Province.

“As burn survivors and their families travel from other parts of the province to Vancouver for treatment, it is important that we welcome them and provide them with the housing and care supports they need,” said Mayor Sam Sullivan. “We are happy to be a part of this innovative partnership with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund and the provincial government. I would also like to recognize Vancouver City Councillor Kim Capri for her hard work on behalf of the Burn Fund.” 

The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund began in 1978 and is the charitable arm of the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association. The organization intends to fundraise a significant portion of the capital costs for this project.

 “Our mandate is to provide life-saving, life-supporting and life-enriching services to the people of British Columbia through our Burn Awareness, Research and Prevention Programs,” said Tony Burke, executive director of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. “Through our multi-use Burn Fund Building, we will be meeting that goal by offering support and services to burn survivors and their families in an innovative facility that will be the first of its kind in North America. We are appreciative of the contributions of our partners towards making this dream a reality.”

The $250-million Housing Endowment Fund was established in the 2007 Provincial Budget. The fund will generate investment revenue of approximately $10 million a year, which will be used to fund new ideas and support innovative housing solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians.

-30-

Backgrounder

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province's news feeds using RSS visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca