Two projects to help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected in Richmond County are getting federal funding.
Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, Mike Kelloway, announced $27,750 through the New Horizons for Seniors program on Tuesday.
Kelloway says in a release, “Our government is proud to be bringing communities together through investments for our seniors. We want Cape Breton—Canso to be a place where seniors can age comfortably and enjoyably within their own local area. The New Horizons for Seniors program is just one of many ways that our government is bringing care and fairness for all generations.”
The Arichat Community Development Association is receiving funds for an accessible walking track, to promote regular physical activities that create a safe environment for exercise and social interactions.
The Richmond River Roots Market Garden Society is receiving funds for Memory Café events that promote inclusion of seniors with dementia and reduce their social isolation.
According to the release, the goal of this federal grants program is to invest in projects that help seniors stay active and engaged in the community. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding.
The projects announced Tuesday were approved as part of a call for proposals that was launched on August 1, 2023, and closed on September 28, 2023.
Since its inception in 2004, the program has funded around 40,000 local projects and broader-reaching initiatives across Canada, with the Government of Canada having invested a total of more than $850 million.
In a statement, Minister of Labour and Seniors, Seamus O’Regan Jr., says, “Loneliness is an awful thing, and too many seniors feel lonely. They want to be active and feel like they’re part of
their community, giving back, helping out, looking after themselves. It’s so important. New Horizons helps make those connections and do all that.”
Ottawa says seniors are one of Canada’s fastest growing population groups. They will represent almost 25% of the population by 2051 and could reach close to 11 million people within 15 years.
