The Provincial Government is continuing to award
grants under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants (AFNL)
program, which is designed to support municipalities, Inuit community
governments, reserves and seniors' organizations throughout the
province, with the announcement of two grants for programs on the Burin
Peninsula.
"The Williams Government is committed to investing in
programs and services that help enhance the health and well-being of our
seniors," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and
Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. "To
that end we are investing a total of $200,000 in the Age-Friendly Grants
program."
The Town of St. Lawrence will receive $10,000 to
become a more age-friendly community. They will engage in activities
that include forming an age-friendly committee or team; evaluating
community resources and assets; identifying community champions;
determining challenges and opportunities; and, creating an action plan.
"I am very pleased that our government is assisting
the Town of St. Lawrence with this grant," said the Honourable Darin
King, MHA, Grand Bank. "This project will help promote a more inclusive
community to enhance the recognition of the very important role seniors
play."
The Burin Seniors Citizens Club will receive $9,000 to
support their Active Living Healthy Aging Project, which will include
establishing an advisory committee. In an effort to encourage seniors to
be more active and engaged, volunteers will also implement a sit and
exercise program.
"This is a great project that will benefit all seniors
on the Burin Peninsula by creating a healthy and social environment,"
said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Burin-Placentia West MHA. "The Burin
Seniors Citizens Club is a great resource and their hard work and
dedication to the health and well-being of seniors is to be commended."
Overall, the Williams Government will invest $200,000
in the AFNL Grant program. The AFNL grants will
serve, in part, to fulfill commitments made under the Provincial
Healthy Aging Policy Framework, through which the Provincial
Government invested an additional $3.5 million in the 2009-10
fiscal year toward improving the wellness of residents.
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