Over $75,000 for Seniors to Stay Active and Socially Connected
The Ontario government is investing over $75,000 to four area community projects through Ontario’s Seniors Community Grant (SCG) Program that help seniors and older adults stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected, close to home.
“The Senior Community Grants will help individuals, local not-for profit groups and organizations deliver local programs, services and events that empower seniors to be active and connected to family and friends in our community,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Programs range from physical activities to exposure to the arts and music, to learning opportunities, day trips, and so much more.”
Local funding breakdown is as follows:
· $25,000 for Les Compagnons - This project will allow Les Compagnons to offer programming access to seniors. Activities include a walking club, visual arts workshops, robotic sessions, play reading, and more. New this year there will also be a square dance project that will bring together a hundred intergenerational dancers for various opening celebrations during the City of North Bay's centennial celebrations. The project will benefit approximately 1000 individuals.
· $24,962 for the Municipality of Powassan - This project will allow the Municipality of Powassan to deliver Fit for Life for the seniors of the area. The programming with include physical activities, educational classes, workshops and four bus trips. The aim is to assist seniors in staying active, connected to their community and support them in leading healthy, happy lives. The project will benefit approximately 500 individuals.
· $19,400 for Nipissing District Housing Corporation - This project will allow the Nipissing District Housing Corporation to deliver their Tenants in Unison project. The objective is to provide a safe and inclusive environment for tenants to gather and participate in a variety of programs and workshops. This will also provide an opportunity to recruit tenant volunteers for formal training to sustain future sessions and activities. The project will benefit approximately 299 individuals.
· $7,816 for the Powassan and District Union Public Library - This project will allow the Powassan and District Union Public Library to provide local seniors with a place to learn new skills and engage with others in a welcoming and comfortable environment. There will be monthly lunch and learn sessions covering a wide range of topics as well as monthly social drop-in sessions to work with technology. The project will benefit approximately 450 individuals.
“This funding will have a very positive impact on seniors through the social interactions that help to strengthen the age-friendly community. NDHC is excited to deliver this project to hundreds of seniors,” Melanie Shaye, CEO of Nipissing District Housing Corporation.
“The Municipality of Powassan would like to thank Minister Fedeli for this additional funding to help delivering seniors programming in Powassan. The Municipality of Powassan are proud of the opportunities we provide for people of all ages within the community. This funding will help ensure that our seniors will stay active and healthy.” Mayor Peter McIsaac, Powassan.
“Nous sommes ravis de recevoir ce généreux financement du programme de subventions communautaires pour les aînés de la province de l’Ontario. Ce soutien nous permettra d'élargir notre programmation et d'offrir une variété d'activités enrichissantes pour notre communauté de seniors dans tous le Nipissing. Du club de marche aux ateliers d'arts visuels, en passant par des sessions de robotique et des lectures de pièces de théâtre, nos seniors auront accès à une gamme d'opportunités engageantes. Nous sommes particulièrement enthousiasmés par le nouveau projet de danse carrée, qui réunira des danseurs intergénérationnels pour les célébrations du centenaire de la ville de North Bay. Ce projet devrait bénéficier à environ 1 000 individus, favorisant un sentiment de communauté et d'inclusion.” Arnaud Claude, Direction Générale, Les Compagnons.
“We are delighted to receive this generous funding from the Community Grants Program for Seniors from the province of Ontario. This support will enable us to expand our programming and offer a variety of enriching activities for our senior community in the whole district of Nipissing. From the walking club to visual arts workshops, robotics sessions, and play readings, our seniors will have access to a range of engaging opportunities. We are particularly excited about the new square dance project, which will bring together intergenerational dancers for the centennial celebrations of the city of North Bay. This project is expected to benefit around 1,000 individuals, fostering a sense of community and inclusion,” Arnaud Claude, Director, Les Compagnons.
“The Powassan & District Union Public Library is super grateful for this grant. Already, we have an exciting and informative list of topics lined up. The Powassan Royal Canadian Legion even endorsed this project and encouraged us to pursue it!” said Marie Rosset, CEO, Powassan and District Union Public Library.
“The first session will be held on July 17 at 11:30am, with guest speaker Robert A. Muhong from the North Bay Health Unit addressing the subject of staying cool during summer days of extreme heat. A light lunch and refreshments will be served. Two weeks later, on July 31st, seniors are invited to drop in at the Library Café starting at 11:30am, seniors will be able to socialize, play games or cards, or use our iPads to explore what they have to offer such as connecting with relatives, accessing Ancestry, playing game on the iPad – coffee, tea and cookies will be served. Upcoming monthly events will be posted on our website, social media and newsletters,” added Rosset.
The Ontario government is investing up to $6 million through the SCG Program to support 282 community projects across Ontario.
In June, Ontario announced annualized funding for over 300 Seniors Active Living Centres that connect seniors to activities, programs and services in their communities.
Over 100 Seniors Active Living Fairs are also expected to take place in 2024-25 which will provide more opportunities for seniors to learn about supports and programs in their community. Last year, over 100 in-person, virtual and northern fairs were held throughout the province. To find a fair near you, visit this link.