The constituency office remains open to serve the residents of Bay of Quinte

Four Bay of Quinte organizations share $60,400 in provincial Seniors Community Grants

CONSECON – The Ontario government is supporting four local organizations through the 2024-2025 Seniors Community Grants to help keep seniors fit, healthy, active, and socially connected in their communities, announced Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte today.

“The Quinte area has long had a higher percentage of seniors than the provincial average and that continues to be a growing demographic. Through the Seniors Community Grant, our government is pleased to partner with local organizations offering programming to support their well being and social inclusion,” said Smith.

The local allocations are as follows:

Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association ………………………………………… $25,000

Quinte West Public Library………………………………………………………………………..……………………….. $13,462

Hastings County…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. $11, 138

Prince Edward County Public Library…………………………………………………………………………………….$10,800

Bay of Quinte projects………………………………………………………………………………………………………….$60,400

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association will use its funding to hire a project manager to recruit and train volunteers, produce a targeted mail out and survey to help better understand the needs of a growing seniors population, and develop a communications strategy to raise awareness and attract new volunteers and clients. Its project supports a municipal Age-Friendly Community Plan.  It is anticipated 4,000 seniors will be impacted.

“We are thrilled and grateful to receive this funding. Though the project we will be able to determine why current clients and volunteers choose our agency, then target future communications and public relations in this new post-pandemic world. In this way, we can better serve the community of Prince Edward County,” said Debbie MacDonald Moynes, Community Care’s Executive Director.

The Quinte West Public Library plans to engage senior volunteers – including newcomers – in an intergenerational cooking program. Classes for newcomers, seniors, children, and single adults will focus on using Good Food Box items to prepare meals and snacks, while teaching about whole foods, nutrition, and budgeting. There will also be larger social events to celebrate cross-cultural sharing and promote community.  The funding will support the creation of four kitchen work stations, facilitate guest speakers, and support meal ingredients for 375 participants.

“We are excited to involve senior volunteers in sharing their knowledge to promote healthy eating, teach cooking skills, and reduce social isolation. Our programs and special events will connect newcomers, families, children, teens, and senior peers as they cook and share food together,” said Krista Richardson, the Quinte West Public Library’s Adult Services Co-ordinator.

Hastings County will use its funding to provide lower-income older adults and seniors in community and geared-to-income housing access to safe and accessible fitness, recreational and social programming to promote social inclusion and aid in improved mental and physical health The project will be delivered with seven community service organizations in both rural and urban areas. It will also support access to transportation, such as bus passes.

“On behalf of Hastings County Council, we are happy to receive the Province of Ontario’s funding allocation through the Seniors Community Grant program. This program is designed to support our senior population living in community housing to stay active, attend programs and services in the community and reduce social isolation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on seniors in our community,” said Bob Mullin, Warden for Hastings County.

The Prince Edward County Public Library & Archives will use its funding to partner with its four current Friends of the Library groups and launch two additional groups for its branches without. The project will help the Friends increase memberships, volunteerism opportunities, and deliver social and educational programming. Funding may support games and art supplies, speakers, and healthy snacks.

“The Prince Edward County Public Library has long-standing Friends of the Library groups in Ameliasburgh, Consecon, Milford and Wellington, a brand-new group in Bloomfield, and plans to launch a new group at the Picton branch. These Friends help keep our six branches vital community hubs through their support and advocacy. This project will both attract new members and enable the Friends to offer a series of special programs for older adults at each branch,” said Babara Sweet, the Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Edward County Public Library & Archives.

Across the province, the government is investing up to $6 million through the Seniors Community Grant Program to support 282 projects. Organizations can apply for up to $25,000 per project that provides seniors opportunities for greater inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement.

“The Seniors Community Grant Program is a great example of how our government is working for local communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to provide funding for so many programs that bring older people together to avoid being socially isolated, to learn new skills, get fit, enjoy group activities and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”

QUICK FACTS

  • Since 2018, Ontario has invested in over 1700 Seniors Community Grants.
  • The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly, from 2.8 million or 18.4 per cent of population in 2022, to 4.4 million, or 20.3 per cent by 2046.
  • The next funding intake is expected early in 2025.