The Government of Ontario is investing in seniors by funding over $77,000 in new projects across Northumberland—Peterborough South that will help seniors stay safe, fit, active, healthy and socially connected. On Thursday, MPP David Piccini was joined by Ontario’s Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho to announce a host of Seniors Community Grants in the riding.
Recipients in the community include:
• Cramahe Township Public Library
• Community Health Centres of Northumberland
• The Municipality of Port Hope
• The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
“With over $300,000 in Seniors Community Grants in this riding since 2019, our government’s commitment to seniors is steadfast,” said MPP David Piccini. “I will continue to advocate on behalf of seniors, and I want to thank the deserving recipients of these grants for the work they do for families in our community.”
“Seniors Community Grants are keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy and socially connected close to home, in their communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
“Our government is proud to invest in these projects with local organizations to meet the needs of seniors, provide the supports seniors need and deserve that also help to battle social isolation.”
These projects are part of 305 Seniors Community Grants invested into communities across Ontario this year. Since 2018, Ontario has funded 1249 community-based projects and invested almost $22 million dollars in Seniors Community Grants that have kept seniors fit, active, healthy and connected while helping to end social isolation and combat ageism.
“Cramahe Library is very grateful for this provincial grant as it has allowed us to create a Seniors Connect Program at the library,” said Mary Norton Stack, CEO at Cramahe Township Public Library. “COVID isolation has had a significant impact on our seniors and this grant allows us to provide a number of free programs for seniors in our community.”
“The Seniors Community Grant will allow us to target root causes of health inequalities and make a difference in the lives of those participating in the program,” said Amanda McConkey, representative of the Community Health Centres of Northumberland. “The Social Prescribing program improves outcomes for older adults and seniors by offering more choice and control over their lives and improving a sense of belonging in the community.”
“This grant will help to implement and enhance programming opportunities for older adults within the five communities of our rural Township,” said Mayor of Alnwick/Haldimand John Logel.
“This grant will help fill those programming gaps made bigger by the pandemic to allow for seniors in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand to get out and socialize with their peers, to participate in exercise, to provide programs, workshops and activities that keep their mind healthy.”
QUICK FACTS
â–Ş The Seniors Community Grants Program provides funding ranging from $1,000 up to $25,000 for local projects.
▪ Ontario’s Seniors are the province’s fastest growing demographic, and by 2023, there will be 3 million Ontarians over the age of 65
Author: Pete Fisher
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