Funding Provided to Age-Friendly Initiatives

Seniors in the Springdale and Flat Bay areas will benefit from funding through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, announced today that Life Unlimited for Older Adults in Springdale and the Flat Bay Indian Band Inc. (No’kmaq Village) will receive grants for programs that encourage wellness and healthy aging.

“Our government continues to demonstrate its commitment to making healthy aging a priority,” said Minister Sullivan. “This program assists municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, and seniors’ organizations and retiree groups in planning for an aging population. By awarding these grants, we work towards our vision of a supportive, age-friendly province.”

Life Unlimited for Older Adults in Springdale is receiving $10,000 to establish an e-reading program through the public library; and, to develop an exhibition of crafts and trades practiced by older adults in the community.

“I am delighted that Life Unlimited for Older Adults was successful in their quest to access funding so that they are able to offer worthwhile initiatives to the seniors in our area,” said Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale. “This proactive group, with this grant, will continue to enhance the quality of life for seniors, thus enabling them to be meaningfully engaged and active in community life.”

Flat Bay Indian Band Inc. (No’kmaq Village) will receive $7,000 for the Nestue’k Sharing Circles project. The group will engage older adults in a monthly sharing circle that aims to reduce social isolation and focuses on the wisdom that community elders have to offer.

“Our seniors play an integral role in our communities,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George's - Stephenville East. “I am pleased to see the Flat Bay Indian Band receive this grant that will enable our seniors to become more engaged in society, and share their knowledge and experiences with our youth.”

The grants program was launched in 2010 as an initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework. The program provides funding to incorporated municipalities, Inuit community governments and reserves, as well as seniors’ organizations and retiree groups throughout the province. This year, seven communities are each receiving $10,000, and 11 seniors’ organizations are receiving grants ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.

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2012 06 27                            11:50 a.m.