Ontario invests in services and activities that help seniors stay active and socially connected.
MPP Graydon Smith has announced $113,823 in funding for six community organizations in Parry Sound–Muskoka through the Seniors Community Grants program.
“Seniors deserve access to the services and opportunities they need to stay healthy, active and engaged in their communities,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “I’m proud that our government is providing these organizations with the funding they need to deliver these important services. Thank you to Minister Cho and the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility for recognizing the value of these projects and the difference they will make for seniors in our communities.”
Recipients include:
-
Ryde Community Co-op — Receiving $25,000 to offer new educational programs and social events, including monthly Lunch and Learns and a calendar of educational workshops that will provide participants with hands-on experiences and take-home projects.
-
Parry Sound Family Health Team — Receiving $25,000 to bring immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences to Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, providing meaningful engagement for seniors facing long hospital stays with limited access to activities.
-
District of Muskoka — Receiving $24,999 to deliver SmartStart: Smartphone Skills for Older Adults, a series of smartphone education workshops across the District of Muskoka designed to help older adults confidently use digital technology in their daily lives.
-
Town of Bracebridge — Receiving $24,794 to deliver its Senior Wellness & Intergenerational Connections Initiative, supporting healthy aging through three integrated programs: therapeutic aquatic programs for older adults with chronic conditions; accessible land-based fitness programs for veterans and rural seniors; and intergenerational electives that bring students and seniors together for shared learning and wellness activities.
-
North of 50 — Receiving $7,030 to offer a series of social and educational activities throughout the year aimed at promoting healthy aging among a diverse population of seniors living in an underserved rural and remote area of northern Ontario.
-
Township of Carling — Receiving $7,000 to enhance social programming for seniors by providing classes, equipment and supplies, while making recreational and social activities more accessible to seniors in Carling and the West Parry Sound area.
The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million in more than 320 Seniors Community Grants to help seniors stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected close to home and in their communities.
“The Seniors Community Grants 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 investments for so many services and activities that bring seniors together, help them learn new skills, get fit and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”
Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local services, activities and events that provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. The Seniors Community Grants Program is an Ontario government initiative designed to reduce social isolation, combat ageism and create positive connections.
Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $40 million in over 2,100 Seniors Community Grants.
