August 26, 2014 – Welland, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada
Seniors in Welland and Thorold will soon have new opportunities to participate in programs that boost their physical fitness and provide them with new learning opportunities. The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for York–Simcoe, made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). Three organizations are receiving a total of more than $70,000 in New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding for their projects.
The Welland Legion is receiving more than $20,000 in federal funding through the NHSP for its Seniors Discover the Possibilities project. The project aims to keep local seniors active and involved with a wide range of social activities that promote learning and physical fitness and provide entertainment. Activities include an informative lunch and learn program featuring topics like fraud and safety. Physical fitness workouts, dancing classes, chair yoga, movies and live entertainment are all “on the roster” as the project agenda unfolds.
The NHSP is also supporting two projects in other nearby organizations. The Wesley United Church in Welland is receiving nearly $25,000 for its project Overhaul and Repair of Elevator. The Church will overhaul the existing elevator in its building to ensure the safety of seniors attending ongoing social activities. The Early Childhood Community Development Centre (ECCDC) in Thorold is receiving $25,000 for its Building Strong Community Connections in Niagara through Seniors and Children project. ECCDC will link seniors in seniors’ residences to children in child care centres so that seniors can share their knowledge, skills and experience with the younger generation.
The Government of Canada is providing more than $33.4 million in funding to over 1,770 community-based projects across Canada. These projects were approved through the NHSP 2013-2014 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects. NHSP-funded projects help ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and are able to be active, participating members of their communities.
Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-716-5422
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.
NHSP funding is targeted to community-based projects, pan-Canadian projects and pilot projects that focus on issues such as social isolation and intergenerational learning.
Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. These projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding.
Pan-Canadian projects provide support to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse and fraud. These projects help community members recognize elder abuse in all its forms and improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Projects focus on developing tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada. These projects may be eligible to receive up to $250,000 per year for a maximum of three years.
Pilot project funding provides support to help address seniors’ isolation by establishing better social support networks and resources and initiating community interventions. It also supports intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others. These pilot projects are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, which will be matched with funding from other sources.
For more information on the NHSP, visit esdc.gc.ca/seniors.
