Health and Community Services
April 15, 2011

Age-Friendly Grants Continue to Benefit Communities

Seniors groups in Witless Bay and Renews are benefiting from funding through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and the Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, announced today that the O’Connor 50+ Club in Witless Bay and the Captain William Jackman Social Club in Renews are the latest grant recipients. The Provincial Government is investing a total of $200,000 in this year’s grants program.

“Planning for an aging population is a priority for our government,” said Minister Kennedy. “It is important to put the supports in place so that seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador can stay active and contribute to their communities. The projects funded under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program promote social inclusion and participation among seniors.”

The O’Connor 50+ Club in Witless Bay is receiving $10,000 to assess the needs of seniors in the area. The project will educate seniors on available resources and identify areas for development. The Captain William Jackman Social Club in Renews is receiving $5,500 to introduce the sport of sand rock kurling to seniors. The program will focus on social inclusion and will encourage participation from all generations with a special focus on seniors.

“I have had the pleasure of working with both the O’Connor 50+ Regional Club in Witless Bay and the Captain William Jackman Club in Renews and have seen firsthand the tremendous work being done to enhance the lives of the 50+ residents in their communities,” said Ferryland MHA Keith Hutchings. “Healthy lifestyles for all our population is a priority of our government and these grants will further assist these two groups in the tremendous work they do in our communities. I want to thank the many volunteers with these organizations and the dedication and support they demonstrate.”

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 15                                                                               11:35 a.m.