Ontario invests in services and activities helping seniors stay active and socially connected.
Cornwall— MPP Nolan Quinn is proud to announce that the Centre Charles-Émile-Claude and townships of North Stormont, South Stormont, and South Dundas have received Seniors Community Grants to bring seniors together in SDG.
The Centre Charles-Émile-Claude is receiving $25,000 for their “One Day at a Time” pilot project that is a French-language community day program designed for older adults living with a neurocognitive disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The project aims to reduce isolation, promote well-being and community participation among older adults, while providing structured respite for family caregivers. Training and mentoring workshops for family caregivers will be offered by Jeanne Lamarche and the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall and Region (SACR).
The Township of North Stormont is receiving $24,210 for a project that will deliver inclusive recreation programs for seniors across all North Stormont facilities, ensuring every resident aged 55+ has access. Activities include Aquafit sessions, social nights and games, fraud awareness sessions, group cooking classes, dance lessons, fitness programs, CPR and first aid certification, and seasonal park picnics with live music.
The Township of South Stormont is receiving $25,000 for a project that builds on the success of their Friendly Circles Seniors Club, an active seniors organization based at the South Stormont Community Hall in Long Sault. This project will pilot expanded programming at additional sites across the Township to reach seniors who cannot easily access the Long Sault location. Activities will include Learn-to-Play Pickleball, gentle fitness classes, refreshments and meal-based socials, crafts, trivia, and themed gatherings, along with educational sessions on topics like falls prevention, fraud awareness, digital literacy, and disease and disorder awareness and coping.
The Municipality of South Dundas is receiving $15,230 for a project that will implement new, diversified monthly programming to fill services that are not typically provided by the municipality or local organizations, fostering a more connected, healthy and informed community. Core offerings will include cultural and social events, such as access to local tourism to Upper Canada Village and The Lost Village, social events at the Carman House Museum, and drop-in game days. The initiative also emphasizes well being and safety through fitness classes, vital information sessions on Fraud Prevention, and awareness on Elder Abuse. It will also bridge digital divides through crucial technology classes teaching the use of platforms like Zoom, and FaceTime for family connection.
“SDG seniors built the strong, thriving community we call home today,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “To ensure they can continue living happy, healthy, connected lives in their golden years, our government is proud to be investing in these vital services for our seniors.”
The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million for more than 320 Seniors Community Grants helping seniors and stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected, close to home and in their communities.
“The Seniors Community Grants Program is a great example of how our government is working for local communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to provide investments for so many services and activities that bring seniors together, learn new skills, get fit, and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”
Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local services, activities and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. The Seniors Community Grants is a unique Ontario government grant designed to reduce social isolation, fight ageism and create positive connections.
Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $40 million dollars in over 2,100 Seniors Community Grants.
Quotes
“This $25,000 provincial grant will allow us to launch ‘One Day at a Time’, the first French-language adult day program in Cornwall for people living with a neurocognitive disorder. This important investment will help us provide essential support to Francophone seniors and their caregivers.” — Céline Baillargeon-Tardif, directrice générale, Centre Charles-Émile-Claude
“The Seniors Community Grant funding lets the South Dundas do more than launch a handful of programs, it gives us a chance to prove them out. Rural seniors don’t always have easy access to recreational opportunities, and this $15,230 allows us to not only introduce low-cost and free programming, but also allows us to keep it running long enough to build the participation and momentum these programs need to succeed.” — Benjamin de Hann, Chief Administrative Officer for South Dundas
“The Township of South Stormont is grateful to receive this funding from the Government of Ontario. Through the South Stormont Seniors Series, the municipality and our valued community partners will be able to build on the existing recreational and educational opportunities available to seniors while introducing even more ways, and more locations, for them to connect with one another, stay active, and enjoy new experiences close to home. We know how important it is for seniors to have accessible opportunities that allow them to stay involved and engaged in their community, and we are excited to expand those opportunities through this series.” — Mayor Bryan McGillis
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Media Contact
Adrian Bugelli
Office of MPP Nolan Quinn
613-933-6513
Nolan.Quinn@pc.ola.org