The money will go to more than 3,000 community projects across the country
By Caitlin Finlay
The federal government announced on March 24 that it will be investing $60.8 million to support more than 3,000 community-based programs serving the needs of seniors throughout Canada.
The coronavirus pandemic has increased social isolation for everyone but especially among seniors, and projects that support seniors are more important than ever, the government said. The funding will be made available through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), a federal grants program to improve the health and well-being of seniors.
“I am proud of the thousands of projects funded through the NHSP, including more projects in rural and remote communities than ever before,” Canada’s Minister of Seniors, Deb Shulte, said during a virtual event announcing the investment. “These projects help Canadian seniors stay active and socially connected during this unprecedented time. Seniors have given and continue to give so much to our country; it is important that we provide them with the programs and support they deserve.”
Applications for NHSP funding hit an all-time high this year. Projects to receive funding aim to support vulnerable and rural seniors, promote volunteering among seniors and others, raise awareness about elder abuse and financial abuse, engage seniors in their communities through mentoring programs, and provide programs for exercise, mediation, food deliveries, and lessons in how to safely stay connected via technology and the Internet.
Photo: iStock/Rawpixel.
