Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark has announced that four local organizations will share in more than $29,000 through the province’s Seniors Community Grant Program. Steve made the announcement last Friday at Kemptville and District Home Support Inc., which will receive $17,646 through the program. Other local recipients included the North Grenville Public Library, which received a grant of $3,598.
“These Seniors Community Grants and the services they will support are great news for seniors and their families throughout Leeds and Grenville,” said Steve. “Seniors helped to build our great province and I’m pleased our government is providing this support to help them remain active, healthy and socially connected to the communities they call home.”
“The seniors, volunteers, board and staff of Kemptville and District Home Support are deeply appreciative of this grant from the Government of Ontario. Our Arts and Aging program is based on the underlying premise that productive aging includes being socially engaged, having a positive zest for life and that seniors should be inspired and encouraged to express themselves creatively,” said Susan Smith, Executive Director at Kemptville and District Home Support.
Susan said seniors will be able to experience the arts in a variety of different venues and art forms, using examples from within the community and beyond.
“This project has the potential to spark new or rekindled interest for seniors to seek out more arts experiences in the community and is an opportunity to form new connections and friendships while taking part in the various arts activities,” she said. “We are also very excited to be partnering with the Municipality of North Grenville in the implementation of Arts and Aging. Council and staff are great supporters of seniors and are keen to create cultural opportunities in the community.”
“I would like to congratulate all of the recipients of this year’s program. I am inspired by everyone’s commitment to help keep seniors active and socially engaged in communities across the province. This year’s funding will go a long way in helping seniors to access programs and services where they live,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Investing in seniors’ health and well-being also helps to keep seniors out of the hospital, reducing strain on the health-care system.”
This year’s program better supports the unique needs of seniors living in underserviced rural, remote, multicultural and Francophone communities, including initiatives that focus on elder abuse, programs and services that help prevent social isolation; increasing accessibility and seniors’ safety; and activities that help keep seniors physically and socially active.
The senior population in Ontario is the fastest growing age group. By 2023, there will be 3 million Ontarians over the age of 65. Active aging brings positive health benefits, including helping to keep seniors out of the hospital.
