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Newmarket-Aurora receives $33K in seniors community grants

'With the goal of reducing seniors’ isolation and loneliness, this grant for our first social prescribing initiative will enable CMHA to help seniors in Newmarket better integrate into our community,” says York Region CMHA
2021-07-27 Senior citizen
Stock photo

NEWS RELEASE
MPP CHRISTINE ELLIOT
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The Ontario government is investing over $33,000 through the Seniors Community Grant program to enrich the lives of seniors in Newmarket and Aurora and recognize their significant contributions to the province.

CMHA York Region and South Simcoe will receive $21,400 for its Looking Forward Project to promote the health, safety and well-being of older adults with mental health, complex care and dementia-related concerns.

The Town of Aurora will receive $12,300 for the Senior Centre Without Walls – Wellness Series that will provide seniors with programming that is focused on safety and well-being.

“Our government is making sure that seniors have the supports they need to live happy and healthy lives in their communities,” said Christine Elliott, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “This funding will support projects that provide our seniors with meaningful opportunities to safely take part in local activities and stay connected to friends and family.”

“Our seniors contribute so much to our communities, including right here in Aurora.” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “I am so excited about this announcement which will fund the Wellness Series program to encourage seniors to stay fit, active and healthy while keeping in touch with their fellow peers.” With this $12,300 grant, our seniors will feel the sense of comfort and belonging in our community by being connected with all the supports they deserve, especially to address the impacts of social isolation as a result of COVID-19 and beyond.”

The Seniors Community Grant program provides encourages safe community engagement of seniors by supporting hundreds of projects focused on volunteerism, learning, financial awareness, social inclusion, elder abuse prevention, mental well-being and physical activity.

“Our government is proud to invest in local organizations which are well-positioned to meet the needs of seniors in their community,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Seniors Community Grants provide tremendous enjoyment and personal value to older Ontarians.”

“With the goal of reducing seniors’ isolation and loneliness, this grant for our first social prescribing initiative will enable CMHA to help seniors in Newmarket better integrate into our community,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region and South Simcoe. “Funds will support seniors’ access to social supports through transportation, memberships to community programs and the delivery of direct social activities to strengthen their mental health and sense of belonging.”

“The Town of Aurora’s Seniors’ Centre Without Walls is a critical program to support seniors and adults with physical disabilities in Aurora. While always important, the pandemic has amplified the need for programs like this,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas. “We are grateful to the Ontario government for supporting the Wellness Series which will focus on health education and fitness to help keep seniors engaged and active in our community.”

The Seniors Community Grants Program provides funding ranging from $1,000 up to $25,000 for local projects. Ontario’s seniors are the province’s fastest growing demographic, and by 2023, there will be three million Ontarians over the age of 65

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