Far too many seniors face isolation in their retirement years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada is committed to empowering seniors by supporting new opportunities for older Canadians to stay informed, engaged and connected.
Today, Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, on behalf of the Honourable Deb Shulte, Minister of Seniors, announced a total investment of $79,416 for 4 projects in Milton that will support seniors’ needs. These projects are from both, the most recent and an earlier call for proposals of the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Since 2004, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 26,300 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total Government of Canada investment of more than half a billion dollars.
“The strong and resilient Canada we have inherited is thanks to the hard work of older generations. These four organizations are providing programming and services to our neighbours who helped build this great country. Right now, we need these programs more than ever to help us connect with others in our community. The New Horizons Program is accepting new applications and I encourage all the organizations in our riding to go and apply,” says Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton.
The funding can now be used to provide immediate and essential support for seniors impacted by COVID-19. In Milton, the funding will be going to the Centre for Skills Development, Town of Milton, Halton Gujarati Seniors Samaj and St. Paul's United Church.
“Centre for Skills Development is pleased to announce the launch of 'Better Together' program funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. 'Better Together' online group activities are designed to prevent seniors’ social isolation in a time of recommended physical distancing," says Lisa Rizzato, CEO, Centre for Skills Development.
"From the comfort of their home, seniors will attend workshops on navigating social media on tablets and smart phones to stay in touch with their family and friends. They will engage in conversation circles exploring wellness, nutrition and mental health. Seniors will have access to a Crisis Counsellor who will offer group sessions and provide information to seniors on how to care for themselves and build coping skills during and after the pandemic."
We are looking forward to this new and exciting opportunity and to support this important initiative!