CARP welcomes Ontario Government announcement to double investment to Seniors Community Grant Program

Posted on by CARP
From left to right: Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs; CARP North York Chapter Chair, Stewart Nam; Kathleen Wynne , Ontario’s Premier.
From left to right: Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs; CARP North York Chapter Chair, Stewart Nam; Kathleen Wynne , Ontario’s Premier.

In celebration of Seniors Month in June, Stewart Nam chair of North York Chapter attended an event during which Ontario’s Premier Kathleen Wynne and Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs announced that Ontario government will double investment into the Seniors Community Grant Program from $1 million to $2 million. This year’s Seniors Month theme in Ontario is vibrant seniors and vibrant communities and the increase in funding will help more seniors stay engaged within their communities, and help to reduce harmful effects of social isolation associated with lower quality of life for seniors and poor health outcomes.

The 2015 Seniors Community Grant Program will provide funding to 367 not-for-profit community projects that foster volunteerism, social inclusion and community engagement for seniors. This investment will help over 73,000 seniors across province stay active with computer and financial literacy programs, healthy eating and exercise, and local cultural appreciation events.

This increase in funding is a reflection of the program’s success. In 2014, over 43,000 seniors were supported by 179 projects funded through the Seniors Community Grant Program. The Seniors Community Grant Program gives out grants ranging from $500 to $8,000 to help support initiatives that will allow seniors to contribute to all aspects of community life.

Providing support and opportunity for seniors is part of the government’s four part plan to build Ontario up and is part of Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors. The four part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan. CARP supports this expansion to help non-profits deliver programs and projects that promote volunteerism, active lifestyles and community involvement among seniors.