B.C. film industry raises $165,000 in support of Metro Vancouver parks

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C.’s film industry has raised $163,786 to support the conservation of seven Metro Vancouver regional parks.

The money was raised by 15 teams through a competition that saw more than 400 donors contribute. The Scriptures, a Warner Brother’s show, came in first with $51,676 raised.

Organized by Creative BC’s Reel Green Initiative, the REEL Earth Day Challenge brought together film crews, production teams, suppliers, vendors, and other film industry stakeholders to support parks protection programs.

Metro Vancouver regional parks have played a major role in many major film productions. The challenge has allowed the industry to give back to these natural spaces, according to Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC.

“REEL Earth Day Challenge fundraises to give back to many of these green spaces in Metro Vancouver that sustain us all. It’s one important part of Reel Green’s overall activities, which unite industry in concrete actions that reduce its carbon footprint,” she said.

The funds raised will go toward restoration and conservation projects led by the Pacific Parklands Foundation, a registered charity that assists Metro Vancouver’s regional parks system.

Some of the projects funded by the challenge include reforestation at Aldergrove Regional Park, removing invasive species at the Capilano River Regional Park, and protecting rare ecosystems at Boundary Bay Regional Park.

“Metro Vancouver’s regional parks have earned a spot on centre stage both for their scenery and their incredible contributions to the environmental health and livability of our region. That is why we are delighted that B.C.’s vibrant film industry shares in our vision to protect and enhance our regional parks,” said John McEwen, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Regional Parks Committee.

The Sapperton Landing, Kanaka Creek, Tynehead, and Pacific Spirit regional parks will also benefit from this money.