January 12, 2000: The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Fraser will be the actual beneficiaries of a $6,500 grant awarded by the Fraser River Port Authority tonight to the Navy League of Canada, New Westminster Branch.

During a ceremony held at The Royal Westminster Regiment, representatives from the Fraser River Port Authority launched the $250,000 Fraser River Port Millennium Fund, created to mark the new millennium by funding projects that are of benefit to the marine transportation community and to the Fraser River communities within the Port’s jurisdiction.

The Navy League of Canada, New Westminster Branch, is a co-sponsor of the Sea Cadets and a non-profit, volunteer organization. It maintains a training facility at Annacis Island used by the Sea Cadets for practical training and storage of numerous watercraft. The facility located on Fraser River Port property helps train Canadian youth in maritime affairs and activities; seamanship and sailing; and citizenship and leadership. A majority of the funds received by the Branch are used to provide training aids and to maintain the facility.

During 1999, cadets from the New Westminster Branch have won awards in biathlon, music, drill and sailing. Two cadets were selected for foreign exchanges in Korea and the USA. The program is open to males and females ages 12 to 18 years of age, and as a sea cadet they are eligible to receive eight school credits.

The Navy League’s application for funds had been received prior to the Fund’s announcement and was held for consideration by the Fund’s advisory committee. The deadline for other applications is March 31, 2000.

For more information contact:

Raija Orava
Manager, Public Affairs
Fraser River Port Authority
Tel. (604) 524-6655