Ontario Helping Seniors Stay Healthy, Active and Connected
(Friday, June 2, 2023, Richmond Hill, Ontario) June is Seniors Month. This year’s theme is Working for Seniors. Today, the Ontario government announced it is investing in seniors of Richmond Hill by funding $122,495 into projects that will help seniors stay safe, fit, and socially connected with the Seniors Community Grants.
Recipients in Richmond Hill include:
·Living Water Counselling Centre: $25,000 for setting up immigrant Seniors Virtual Club.
·Mental Health Mutual-Aid Hub (MHMH): $25,000 for running Multifunctional Peer Leaders program for seniors.
·Red Maple Sunset Glow Cultural Association: $24,850 for enabling seniors to keep learning for a healthy and happy life.
·Richmond Hill Social & Bocce Club: $22,645 for increasing awareness and preventing elder abuse.
·Seniors Club of Upper Toronto: $25,000 for fostering wisdom in ageing.
“Seniors Community Grants are keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy and socially connected close to home, in their communities,” said Hon. Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government is proud to invest in these projects with local organizations to meet the needs of seniors, provide the supports seniors need and deserve that also help to battle social isolation.”
This year, Ontario is investing up to $6 million in more than 280 Seniors Community Grant projects across the province that help local groups and organizations empower seniors to be active and connected to family and friends in their community – from Tai Chi lessons, lawn bowling and other physical activities, to arts and music appreciation, to virtual speakers’ series, day trips, and so much more.
“I am happy to join Minister Raymond Cho to announce these investments from our government. With an ever-increasing number of seniors in our community, it is crucial that we find ways to engage people as they age. These investments make a big difference in the lives of Ontario’s older residents here in Richmond Hill,” said Daisy Wai, MPP for Richmond Hill. “Seniors Community Grants provide opportunities for our older adults to stay connected and keep active in our community.”
Each year with the Ontario Senior Achievement Award program, the Ontario government recognizes extraordinary seniors who, after the age of 65, have made significant contributions to their community and/or province. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, June 15, 2023. To submit a nomination online, please register for the Ontario Honours and Awards Portal.
QUICK FACTS
§ This year, a total of up to $6 million in funding will be available for more than 280 Seniors Community Grant projects across the province with grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.
§ Ontario’s Seniors are the province’s fastest growing demographic, and by 2046, the number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly from 2.7 million, since 2021 to 4.4 million.
§ June is Seniors Month, a time to celebrate older adults across the province. This year’s theme is Working for Seniors.