Ontario Helping Seniors Stay Healthy, Active and Connected

NEWS RELEASE June 21, 2023: Routes Connecting Communities and the Town of East Gwillimbury are receiving a combined $43 thousand dollars in Seniors Community Grant funding

York-Simcoe — Today, MPP Caroline Mulroney announced the Ontario government continues to invest in its seniors more than ever before by funding Seniors Community Grants across the province, including providing a total of $43 thousand dollars in York-Simcoe. Seniors Community Grants help seniors stay safe, fit, active, healthy, socially connected, in their community and close to home.

Recipients in Georgina and East Gwillimbury include:

• Routes Connecting Communities (Sutton, ON) – Supporting the Good Food Collective program. A community lunch providing ethnic foods with locally sourced ingredients that supports seniors and residents to collaborate in a catering venture providing free and nutritious low cost meals.
  
  
• The Town of East Gwillimbury (Sharon, ON) – East Gwillimbury offers a variety of recreational seniors’ programs and activities for people aged 55+ and is home to several seniors’ community groups. These programs are a great way for seniors to stay fit, improve cognitive ability, and reduce stress.

“These investments make a big difference in the lives of Ontario’s older adults here in York-Simcoe,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe. “Staying connected close to home and safely taking part in local activities lets our seniors keep active with friends, family and the community.”

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.

“Seniors Community Grants are keeping our seniors fit, active, healthy and socially connected close to home, in their communities,” said 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.”

Quotes

“Routes, on behalf of the Good Food Collective, would like to thank the Province of Ontario for their support. Our weekly community lunches serve anywhere from 130-150 people per week and provides an opportunity for seniors and residents from all walks of life to break bread with one another. This grant is instrumental in allowing the Good Food Collective to provide free and low cost meals that are nutritious, locally sourced and delicious!”

~ Nivedita Balachandran

Executive Director for Routes Connecting Communities Inc.

“East Gwillimbury acknowledges and thanks the Province of Ontario for providing this grant demonstrating their continued support of the senior community. Senior programming is extremely popular in EG and having access to funding allows us to remove financial barriers and deliver programming that everyone can participate in. This grant will be directed to implementing meaningful and affordable programs for our seniors to enjoy and get active.”

~ Virginia Hackson

Mayor of East Gwillimbury

Quick Facts

• The Seniors Community Grants Program provides funding ranging from $1,000 up to $25,000 for local projects.
• 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.

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MEDIA CONTACT   Marisa Patricelli
marisa.patricelli@pc.ola.org
905-895-1555