Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker says three local organizations have received a total of $18,999 through the Seniors Community Grant Program.
Walker announced the following grants through the program:
Colpoy’s Bay Women’s Institute received $2,150 for a project that will deliver a series of virtual information sessions to learn and ask questions about COVID-19 and health. It aims to increase community engagement, reduce social isolation and increase mental health.
The Town of Hanover received $6,489 for a project that will allow the Hanover Age Friendly Committee to produce, print and distribute an easy-to-read comprehensive booklet containing local and regional content with a focus on local older adult programs, agencies, support and services increasing access to information which was identified as a priority in the Age-Friendly Plan.
Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation received $10,360 for a project that will support the purchasing of Chrome Books and iPads along with IT support and training to ensure seniors in the remote Chippewas of Nawash First Nation have access to a variety of health management programming and other social engagement opportunities.
The funding aims to help non-profit organizations, local services boards and Indigenous groups develop programs to help seniors receive the support they need in their community, reduce demand on acute and long-term care, reduce risk of neglect, abuse and fraud, and to help protect the rights and dignity of seniors.
It also aims to help ensure more older adults are connected and engaged, reducing social isolation and leading to wellness and better health, as well as provide more opportunities for older adults to achieve greater financial security and engagement in their communities.
Walker says, “These projects will make a big difference in the lives of our local seniors in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound by helping them maintain their autonomy and independence,” adding, “They will also help to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults to connect with their communities without risking their health. The health and safety of Ontario’s older adults remain a key priority for our government. The province is working to ensure that seniors are connected to the programs and activities in their communities that help improve their safety and overall well-being.”
The local funding is part of the $4.5 million Provincewide Seniors Community Grant Program. It helps support over 180 community projects to help older adults to stay connected with their communities from the safety of their home. It also aims to help them maintain their physical, mental and social well-being as they continue to self-isolate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application period for the Seniors Community Grant (SCG) Program opened on June 24 and closed on August 7, 2020.
According to provincial stats, by 2023, there will be 3 million Ontarians over the age of 65. The Province says older adults are the province’s fastest growing demographic.
The Seniors Community Grant Program is the only grant program the Ontario Government solely dedicates to seniors.