Age-Friendly Grants Continue to Benefit Seniors

Additional grants have been awarded throughout the province under the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador (AFNL) Grants program, an initiative designed to support municipalities, Inuit community governments, reserves and seniors' organizations. The Trepassey 50+ Friendship Club and the Father Val Power Centre in St. Mary's will both receive grants under the program.

"Funding from the Age-Friendly Grants Program is being used to promote the contributions of seniors at the community level," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. "These projects are addressing needs and enhancing the lives of seniors by encouraging social activity and physical participation."

The Trepassey 50+ Friendship Club will receive $9,000 to support its CALM — Changing Attitudes Losing Misconceptions about Aging initiative. This program includes various strategies to create awareness, improve communications, share learning experiences, and promote social inclusion.

"The age-friendly grant for the Trepassey 50+ Friendship Club will allow the club to continue the important work of enhancing social activity and overall active living for seniors in the region," said Ferryland MHA Keith Hutchings. "I have seen firsthand the tremendous work done by the Friendship Club and the services and programs they deliver to enhance the lives of those living in the region. I also want to recognize and thank the executive of the club for their continued efforts and commitment to improving the lives of seniors."

The Father Val Power Centre in St. Mary's, will receive $9,000 for its Getting Back to Nature: Gardening is Good for the Soul program. This program will provide activities and opportunities to enhance the well-being of residents through development of a community garden and greenhouse.

"I commend the Father Val Power Centre for their outstanding proposal," said the Honourable Felix Collins, Placentia-St. Mary's MHA. "These funds will go a long way in assisting the centre with their initiatives and help improve and enhance the lives of seniors in the area."

Overall, the Williams Government will invest $200,000 in the AFNL Grants program. The grants will serve, in part, to fulfill commitments made under the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework, through which the Provincial Government invested an additional $3.5 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year toward improving the wellness of residents.

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2010 05 19                                                   11:10 a.m.