Health and Community Services
April 12, 2011

Age-Friendly Grants Continue to Benefit Seniors

Seniors in the Humber Valley Region are the latest 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 Evening Breeze 50+ Club in Jackson’s Arm and the Town of Cormack will receive grants.

“Our government is committed to planning for an aging population in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Kennedy. “The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program benefits both seniors and their communities by providing financial resources to support seniors and help them continue to lead active, healthy lives.”

The Evening Breeze 50+ Club in Jackson’s Arm is receiving $10,000 for a continuation and expansion of a program that fosters social participation and inclusion by organizing outings and cultural exchanges.

The Town of Cormack 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.

“The age-friendly grants for these two clubs will allow them to continue the important work of enhancing social activity and overall active living for seniors in their communities,” said Darryl Kelly, MHA for Humber Valley. “I am pleased this announcement is being made during Volunteer Week and this year’s theme is Volunteers…Stars in the Community. I want to recognize and thank the volunteers of these clubs for their continued efforts and commitment to improving the lives of seniors. The funds will go a long way in assisting these organizations with their initiatives and help improve and enhance the lives of seniors in their areas.”

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 12                                                                               11:50 a.m.