Health and Community Services
April 11, 2011

Seniors to Benefit from Age-Friendly Grants

Seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are continuing to benefit from funding through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced that the Ivy Durley Place Community Garden in Flower’s Cove and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay are the latest grant recipients.

“Our government is committed to putting the resources in place so seniors can continue to be active members of the province,” said Minister Kennedy. “Planning for an aging population is a priority and the Age-Friendly Grants Program allows us to partner with community organizations to help older individuals stay active, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.”

The Ivy Durley Place Community Garden in Flower’s Cove is receiving $10,000 to develop a project that engages seniors in traditional vegetable gardening methods.

The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay 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.

“Seniors have dedicated their lives to the betterment of our communities and it is important that we continue to acknowledge their contribution,” said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs and MHA for Lake Melville. “The health and well-being of seniors remains a high priority for this administration and the funding announced today will enable seniors to take part in programs that contribute to healthier lives.”

First launched in 2010, the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador 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 11                                                                               3:05 p.m.