Health and Community Services
April 8, 2011

Funding Provided to Support Age-Friendly Communities

Seniors in the communities of Brigus and Branch will benefit from funding through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador (AFNL) Grants Program. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, announced today that the Brigus and Area 50+ Club and the Town of Branch will receive grants to promote wellness and healthy living to seniors.

“The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program provides support to municipalities and seniors’ organizations so they can help create age-friendly communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Kennedy. “The grants awarded to the Brigus and Area 50+ Club and the Town of Branch will allow them to plan for an aging population to ensure that older individuals can continue to thrive.”

The Town of Branch is receiving $10,000 to become a more age-friendly community. The town 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 cannot think of a more deserving community to get this grant than Branch. I have had the opportunity on numerous occasions over the past few years to witness the tremendous effort this community puts out by, and on behalf of, its seniors,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s. “The manner in which the town supports its seniors is an example for us all. I am absolutely delighted that our government has awarded this funding to Branch.”

The Brigus and Area 50+ Club is receiving $6,000 to develop workshops and activities with neighbouring seniors clubs that will focus on respect, social inclusion, and social participation.

“Through this investment, the Brigus and Area 50+ Club will be able to develop valuable programs for the senior members of our community,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and MHA Harbour Main. “As our population ages, it is important to build strong social programs which encourage networking, friendship and healthy living.”

First launched in 2010, the AFNL Grants Program is one initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework that was launched by the Provincial Government in 2007. Grants are provided to incorporated municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, as well as seniors’ organizations and retiree groups throughout the province. In 2009-10, $200,000 was awarded to 10 municipalities and 13 seniors’ organizations.

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2011 04 08                                                                           9:55 a.m.