Province offers funds to seniors programs in Selwyn, Curve Lake
The province is contributing more than $3 million to 260 senior-related projects in Ontario, including $11,391 for a Selwyn Library program and $4,000 for Curve Lake First Nation's Elders in Motion program.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith announced the funding Thursday on behalf of Raymond Cho, minister for seniors and accessibility.
The funds are intended to support seniors in rural, remote, multicultural and Francophone communities. Programs selected include initiatives that focus on elder abuse; programs and services that help prevent social isolation; increasing accessibility and seniors’ safety; and activities that help keep seniors active.
“I am inspired by everyone’s commitment to help keep seniors active and socially engaged in communities across the province,” stated Cho in the press release. “This year’s funding will go a long way in helping seniors to access programs and services where they live.”
The Selwyn Public Library will use the funds for its Sharing Dance Seniors program.
“Sharing Dance Seniors is a safe and accessible dance program that engages older adults in meaningful dance activity
that benefits physical, cognitive and overall health,” stated Sarah Hennessey, CEO and chief librarian, in a press release. “This program, which is offered through Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS), enables us to video stream classes with an instructor from the NBS studio in Toronto.”
The funding means the program can expand to other branches, she added: “The provincial funding that we received will allow us to offer the program at all three of our branches in Bridgenorth, Ennismore, and Lakefield, enabling us to have a positive and farreaching impact on the seniors in the Township of Selwyn.”
In Curve Lake, funding goes to Elders in Motion, developed “to focus on building opportunities for Elders to increase their physical and mental wellness through a partnership with another centre,” states a press release. “A program will bring elders to the facility where trained professionals will work and train with the elders to provide safe and meaningful exercise.”