THE North Shore Restorative Justice Society had its West Vancouver budget unofficially tripled at a council meeting Monday.
The primarily volunteer group attempts to facilitate healing for victims in instances of theft, assault, break and enter, graffiti, vandalism, threats and neighbourhood conflicts.
"So much of the time it's just spending 30, 45 minutes with someone and saying, 'Have you talked to your neighbour?'" said executive director Alana Abramson.
Besides symbolic restitution, such as building a fence or repairing damage, the group works with perpetrators to pay back victims. "Last year we exchanged about $5,000 in restitution," Abramson said. "It's about being accountable to the victims."
The society received more than 90 referrals last year, including 61 from the North Vancouver RCMP and 28 from the West Vancouver Police Department.
The group received a combined total of $36,855 from the City and District of North Vancouver in 2011, as well as $5,000 from the District of West Vancouver.
"When you look at the percentage of budget, we're not really pulling our weight," said Coun. Nora Gambioli. "Keep up the good work on your shoestring budget."
The society will be receiving an annual sum of $15,000 from now on, according to director of parks and community services Anne Mooi.
The group also receives money from the provincial gaming fund.
