Seniors will be getting funding from the federal government.
Milton MP Adam van Koeverden made the announcement at his office on Wednesday, May 25th. Milton will see $131,215 get invested into six local projects. Proposals for the funding came from the New Horizons for Seniors Program. They include:
- Milton Public Library received $25, 000
- Ontario Seniors’ Forum received $25, 000
- Milton Seventh-day Adventist Church received $25, 000
- Milton Lawn Bowling Club received $9, 798
- Voices of the Nations who received $24, 500
- Artists and Artisans Development and Network received $23, 25
MP van Koeverden touches on the importance of giving back to the seniors in our community.
The funding for the programs will range from purchasing tablets for senior members to combat loneliness, to using music as therapy with professional musicians, to using seniors as teachers for basic skills (such as changing oil in a car or fixing the gears on a bicycle) at the Milton Public Library.
The organizations applied to receive the funding. MP van Koeverden says the plan was to space out the funding as much as possible.
As part of this year’s NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects, organizations were invited to apply for funding in support of the following national priorities to reflect issues and priorities facing seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery:
- Supporting healthy ageing
- Preventing senior abuse
- Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion; and
- Helping seniors to age in place.
Through a simplified application process, organizations submitted project proposals to help seniors move beyond the pandemic and continue to play important roles in their communities.
In Budget 2022, the Government proposed an additional $20 million over two years, beginning in 2022–23, for an expanded NHSP to support more projects that improve the quality of life for seniors and help them continue to participate fully in their communities.
“Every year, the New Horizons for Seniors Program makes a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors across Canada,” says Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors. “I am thrilled that we are funding thousands of projects across the country focused on improving the quality of life of seniors. These projects will help seniors fight social isolation, will combat seniors fraud, and will support healthy aging in an inclusive and accessible environment. By supporting these community-based projects we are taking action to ensure that seniors are empowered and have a strong presence in their communities.”