Federal funding will help keep Sault seniors happy and healthy

NEWS RELEASE
TERRY SHEEHAN, MP SAULT STE. MARIE
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Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, announced $113,730 in funding provided by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons For Seniors Program (NHSP), which fosters social inclusion and engagement of seniors by encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience to stay active and engaged.

Every year, organizations from across Canada are invited to apply for New Horizons for Seniors Program funding through a call for proposals for community-based projects that foster social inclusion and engagement of seniors in all aspects of society. These projects are led or inspired by seniors and must address one of the following five program objectives:

• promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations
• engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others
• expanding awareness of elder abuse (including financial abuse)
• supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors
• providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors

The City of Sault Ste. Marie receives $48,000 for seniors accessible ramp and parking space improvements. The proposed project consists of constructing a ramp, sidewalks with railings, adding railings to the exterior wall and creating five new accessible parking spots.

“Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors in Sault Ste. Marie to participate in meaningful activities that nurture their personal growth and foster community vitality. One of the suggestions I heard repeated at the National Seniors Strategy Town hall meeting with Minister Tassi held in the Sault this winter, was the real need for these kinds of programs. These investments from the federal government enable organizations to put their projects into place,” said Sheehan.

“The City of Sault Ste. Marie Senior Citizens’ Drop-In Centre is thrilled to be receiving this investment that will help ensure people with all abilities can participate and contribute to the programming we offer. With the federal government’s support, we will incorporate unique and inclusive spaces and implement the access upgrades we have been planning for several years. Thank you to the federal government for their continued support and generous contributions to improving the lives of seniors in our community.” - Virginia McLeod, manager, Recreation and Culture, City of Sault Ste. Marie

The Sault Area Hospital is receiving $6,130 and will be used to improve accessibility and employment opportunity in the work place for public and staff. The project consists of installing four automated door openers.

“The installation of these automated door openers will allow freedom of movement with ease from one room to the next room every time. The New Horizons for Seniors Program nurtures projects like these for our seniors, public and staff,” said Sheehan.

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA receives $25,000 for new equipment for seniors. The organization will purchase an elliptical, stair master, and rowing machines to allow seniors to continue with their fitness activities in order to support social participation of seniors. “Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for our seniors in Sault Ste. Marie to participate in meaningful activities that nurture personal growth and foster community strength,“ said Sheehan.

“The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is making a difference in seniors’ lives. This equipment will increase the opportunities for seniors to participate in a range of inclusive active living and social programs.” - Terry Sheehan, member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

Anishinaabekwe of the North Shore receives $9,600 for Communication by Means of Electronic Devices. This organization will purchase iPads and host a class for seniors to learn how to use the devices in order to support social participation and inclusion of seniors.

“Maintaining quality of life for seniors and keeping them socially engaged in their communities has never been more important. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for our seniors in Garden River to participate in meaningful activities that nurture personal growth and foster community vitality.” - Terry Sheehan, member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

Adults in Motion receives $25,000 for First Nation Elders to engage in classrooms from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and share their traditional teachings, personal stories with all students. Together, Canada and Indigenous Peoples are continuing to build a new relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.

“Projects like Adults in Motion make good sense because our Elders who participate are involved in a unique and exciting way. They have the chance to provide students with input from their own perspective and to help shape with specific community needs. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for our Elders in Garden River to participate in meaningful activities that nurture personal growth and foster community vitality.” - Terry Sheehan, mmember of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

Quick facts

Every year organizations are invited to apply for NHSP community-based funding through a call for proposals. The project funding announced today was approved as part of a call for proposals that launched on May 7, 2018, and closed on June 22, 2018.

Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding and, as of this year, up to $5,000 in new small grants funding for organizations that have not received funding within the last five years.

A total of approximately $35 million has been approved across Canada for NHSP community-based projects in 2018–2019.

Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

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