The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador (AFNL) Grants program continues to benefit seniors throughout the province. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors, today announced the latest funding initiatives. The New World Island 50+ Club and the Town of Lewisporte will both receive grants under the program, which is designed to support municipalities, Inuit community governments, reserves and seniors' organizations.

"The projects funded under the grants program will help decrease social isolation and provide life-long learning opportunities for seniors," said Minister Kennedy. "Our government is committed to supporting programs that focus on the health and well-being of seniors in our province."

The New World Island 50+ Club will receive $9,000 to work with various organizations and health professionals to offer special events, including educational sessions and social opportunities aimed at enhancing the social inclusion and independence of seniors.

"I am pleased that we are able to support the New World Island 50+ Club in its efforts to promote health and wellness," said MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame, Derrick Dalley. "Supporting a network for seniors is important for the region and will have a long lasting benefit."

The Town of Lewisporte will receive $10,000 to become an age-friendly community, engaging 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.

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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