Seniors on Vancouver Island will soon have new opportunities to volunteer, mentor younger generations and help raise awareness of elder abuse thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).
John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).
“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Duncan.
Eighteen organizations in Vancouver Island North will receive $321,885 for their projects, including eight in the Comox Valley:
• Black Creek Old Age Pensioners #126, Black Creek - Seniors involved with the organization will increase social participation and inclusion in this rural community by organizing quilting and exercise classes.
• Fanny Bay Community Association - The organization will renovate existing washrooms to support social participation and inclusion of seniors by continuing to offer exercise classes, music nights and other activities.
• Lake Trail Neighbourhood Connections, Courtenay - The organization will engage seniors in the community through mentoring of others by documenting local folklore, teaching crafts and knowledge exchange with youth.
• Comox Seniors’ Centre Association – The organization will replace chairs and tables to support social participation and inclusion of seniors by continuing to offer dining and recreational programs such as cards, dances and banquets.
• Hornby Recreation, Hornby Island – The organization will purchase new equipment to support social participation and inclusion of seniors by offering seniors a variety of new programs, such as pickle ball, ping pong and lawn bowling.
• Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry (UIWONA), Courtenay - Elders involved with the organization will mentor other Elders/seniors in the community and other generations by sharing their traditional and cultural knowledge in craft-making, plant and herb use.
• Merville Hall, Merville - The organization will renovate and purchase kitchen appliances to support social participation and inclusion of seniors by allowing seniors groups to hold luncheons and dinners on site.
• Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association, Comox - Organization will install hand rails and wheelchair accessible ramps to support social participation and inclusion of seniors by continuing volunteer activities like art shows and gardening.
Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 12,200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $33 million in funding for almost 1,750 community projects.
— MP John Duncan