23 | durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, December 22, 2022 | • Free Delivery • Senior Discounts Everyday • Compliance Packaging • All Major Drug Plans Accepted • Free Clinics • Free Blood Pressure Monitoring 8 KING ST. E. 905-723-2245 11 GIBB ST. 905-432-2610 600 GRANDVIEW ST. S. 905-432-8460 500 ROSSLAND RD. W. 905-728-4668 Durham College/UOIT 2000 Simcoe St. N. 905-728-6724 617 VICTORIA ST. W. WHITBY 905-668-3394 Transferring Your PrescriPTions To us is easY ...ask our PharmacY sTaff how Transferring Your PrescriPTions To us is easY ...ask our PharmacY sTaff how • Free Delivery • Seniors Day every Wednesday 55 and better get 20% off • Compliance Packaging • All Major Drug Plans Accepted • Free Clinics • Free Blood Pressure Monitoring The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) has received a funding boost to increase its programming and marketing. A nonrepayable contribution of $62,740 from Central Counties Tourism is aimed at helping DRIFF recover from the pandemic and attract new visitors to Durham. The funding is part of the Government of Canada's Tourism Relief Fund, which is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Central Counties Tourism received $8.65 million to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth. "Our ability to increase cultural engagement in the area through our signature three-day festival, an afternoon program of short films and improved marketing opportunities has been made possible through this program," says DRIFF chair Greg Murphy. DRIFF program offerings have included an annual film festival, monthly "DRIFF in a Jiff" shorts programs and outdoor drive-in film screenings. DRIFF also collaborates with local high schools to bring an exclusive program of films catered to students. Chuck Thibeault, executive director of Central Counties Tourism, says the visitor economy is important to creating thriving communities and that this funding can mean the difference between businesses staying solvent or being forced to close. "Central Counties Tourism applauds the government of Canada for recognizing the importance of growing our collective capacity to welcome and entertain visitors. Its investment in tourism is helping municipalities and individual businesses build compelling destinations that will attract visitors and residents alike," he says. "The economic impact from the Tourism Relief Fund will be felt for years." DURHAM FILM FESTIVAL GETS FUNDING BOOST WHAT'S ON The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) has received a funding boost to increase its programming and marketing. A DRIFF drive-in film screening is pictured here. Sai Kit Chu photo