Strait area groups receive wellness funding
PORT HAWKESBURY – Fifteen community groups in the Strait area have received funding from the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the Department of Health and Wellness for projects that support local health-care priorities.
Grants from the Wellness Fund are awarded annually to non-profit organizations across the province working to improve health in their communities, based on priorities identified by community health boards. The Strait Richmond Community Health Board hosted a cheque presentation celebration Feb. 5 in the arts and craft room at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre to recognize this year’s local recipients.
“Thank you to all the groups who took the time to apply for a grant from the Wellness Fund grant program.” Strait Richmond Community Health Board cochair Michele Tabensky said in a release. “So many great projects were presented. These projects have been developed by community organizations to encourage a healthier and more active community. We enjoy seeing the projects in action and the differences they are making in the participants’ lives.”
The Strait Richmond Community Health Board received a total of 22 applications this year, with 15 organizations receiving Wellness Fund grants.
The successful 2019 Community Health Board Wellness Fund recipients include Adult Drop in Centre for Mental Health; Bayview Education Centre; École Beau-Port; Fédération des femmes acadiennes de la Nouvelle-Écosse; Festival of the Strait; Girls Taking Action; L’Arche Cape Breton; Revive and Renew Nova Scotia Breast Cancer Retreat; Richmond Academy/Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre; Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre Daycare; Schools Plus — Conseil scolaire acadien provincial; Schools Plus — Conseil scolaire acadien provincial; Tamarac Education Centre; The Nova Scotia Association of Community Living and Unama’ki Sports Association.
Tamarac Education Centre is one of many schools at the Strait Regional Centre for Education. It offers both English and French immersion classes for Port Hawkesbury and surrounding communities.
“Active Healthy Living is our motto, so the regional educator for the Black Educators Association and I decided to add culture into promoting our motto,” student support worker Sabrina Skinner said in a release. “This opportunity will allow the students to try foods that they might have never tried before. If it’s not something they like, then at least they had the opportunity to try it.
“The support we have been given will allow children to explore different healthy choices, while learning about where it comes from and how it can be used in different ways,” Skinner added. “Thank you for supporting us.”