November 14, 2014– North Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development
The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), joined by Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, announced today New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding worth more than $98,000 to the Silver Harbour Seniors' Activity Centre for its North Shore Seniors Connect: Transportation and Connectedness Pilot Project.
The Seniors Connect project aims to identify and address the transportation needs of North Vancouver seniors to enable them to participate in local activities and remain connected with their community. The project will also provide seniors with a variety of daytime activities they can attend. Boosting seniors’ participation in community events by increasing access to improved transportation services is a top priority of the Seniors Connect project.
During the course of its two-year project, the Silver Harbour Seniors' Activity Centre will be creating a comprehensive catalogue of North Shore seniors’ transportation services and program information. Its project outreach agenda includes using a telephone hotline, print media, targeted email lists and the Internet to disseminate transportation services information to seniors. Information will also be generated through organizations serving seniors, businesses and staff volunteers.
“Our government is proud to work with organizations like the Silver Harbour Seniors' Activity Centre. This project is a fine example of how we can provide local programming designed to help keep isolated seniors connected, informed and involved in community activities in the North Vancouver area. The project will go a long way in promoting enhanced transportation services for seniors and will make it easier for them to access and participate in local activities.”
– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)
“Our government recognizes that seniors continue to contribute their skills and experience to communities and workplaces across Canada. North Vancouver seniors in particular lead active, healthy lives, and we believe it's critical for them to stay engaged and keep connected to our larger community. Programs like the NHSP make it possible for seniors to participate in projects on the North Shore and across the country that better the lives of Canadians.”
– Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver
“Seniors speak frequently about the benefits of connecting to programs and services, such as improved physical and mental health and a better social support network. However, seniors also recognize that one of the biggest barriers to participation is transportation. This project will provide much-needed rides to isolated seniors in our community, allowing them to remain independent and age in place.”
– Annwen Loverin, Executive Director, Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre
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 $750,000 in funding for up to 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 receiving up to $100,000 in federal funding over a maximum of 24 months, 50 percent of which is being matched with funding from other sources.
For more information on the NHSP, visit esdc.gc.ca/seniors.
