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Health and Community Services
May 21, 2010

Age-Friendly Grants to Benefit Avalon Region

The Provincial Government is continuing to award grants under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador (AFNL) Grants program with the announcement of grants for the Buckmaster's Circle Community Centre and Active Aging Plus in Sunnyside. The program supports municipalities, Inuit community governments, reserves and seniors' organizations throughout the province with creating age-friendly communities.

"Our government is committed to investing in programs throughout the province that focus on promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for our seniors," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. "The communities and seniors organizations we are supporting through this grant program share our vision for an age-friendly community that is inclusive of all seniors."

Active Aging Plus in Sunnyside will receive $9,000 to enhance social activities and develop outdoor spaces including a walking track. Through its programming the group aims to reduce isolation and loneliness in seniors.

"This grant will enhance the supports and programs available to seniors and help them continue to lead active lives within the community," said Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue. "I applaud our government for recognizing the importance of physical activity as part of healthy living and creating such initiatives to enhance the lives of our aging population."

The Buckmasters Circle Community Centre in St. John's will receive $8,500 to develop Aging and Engaging, a program that will incorporate age specific weekly sessions and with a focus on needs-based activities.

"I'm delighted our government continues to support programs to improve the quality of life for seniors," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, St. John's Centre MHA. "This investment will support the work of the Buckmaster's Circle Community Centre in their efforts to improve the quality of life for the many seniors living within the community. The centre will incorporate age-specific sessions and activities to engage seniors in the community which will help them gain a greater level of autonomy and self reliance."

Overall, the Williams Government will invest $200,000 in the AFNL Grants program. The 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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Media contacts:

Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-2646
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca
Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca
 
Veronica Hayden
Executive Assistant for
Honourable Shawn Skinner, MHA for St. John's Centre
709-729-2568
vhayden@gov.nl.ca 
 

2010 05 21                                                   10:35 a.m.
 


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