Health and Community Services
April 18, 2011

Grant Program Continues to Encourage Active Living for Province’s Seniors

The Cavendish Seniors 50+ Club and the Heart’s Content 50+ Club are the latest seniors organizations to receive funding through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program.

“Seniors in our province have an important contribution to make so it is for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that we put the supports in place for seniors to stay active later in life,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Our government is committed to fostering age-friendly communities and this grants program allows us to partner with seniors organizations to work towards this goal.”

The Cavendish Seniors 50+ Club is receiving $10,000 to access programs that promote a more healthy and active lifestyle. The Heart’s Content 50+ Club is receiving $2,000 to expand a program that provides seniors with the opportunity to volunteer at museums and participate in other heritage activities. The program will be expanded to focus on teaching and the passing on of skills.

“This is a positive contribution to seniors and the communities they reside in,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Trinity - Bay De Verde. “I’m very pleased with our government’s investment in the Cavendish Seniors 50+ Club and the Heart’s Content 50+ Club because it is vital to support organizations that improve the health and well-being of seniors through physical activity, mental stimulation and opportunities to socialize.”

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 18                                                     10:50 a.m.