Health and Community Services
April 15, 2011

Province’s Seniors Continue to Benefit from Age-Friendly Grants

Planning for age-friendly communities continues to be supported 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, today announced that the Town of Eastport and the Royal Pandora Seniors Club in Salvage will receive grants.

“Our government acknowledges the important contribution that seniors make to their communities,” said Minister Kennedy. “This is the second year in which our government has provided funding totalling $200,000 through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grant Program. This program has allowed seniors organizations and municipalities to plan for an aging population and to work to develop age-friendly communities.”

The Town of Eastport 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 Royal Pandora Seniors Club in Salvage is receiving $9,000 to plan a cultural and educational event that will provide a networking opportunity for seniors in the surrounding area.

“This government highly respects and values the role seniors play in our province,” said Terra Nova MHA Sandy Collins. “This funding will enhance the programs and activities available in the Eastport and Salvage areas, contributing to the overall well-being of our older population.”

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                                                                             12:25 p.m.