NWT MP Michael McLeod announced an investment of $321,797 for 16 community-based projects in the territory that will help seniors stay active and involved in their communities.
Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program and, as of this year, up to $5,000 in new small grants funding for organizations that have not received funding within the last five years.
McLeod notes that funding for this project is being provided to foster social inclusion and engagement of seniors by supporting initiatives that help them stay active and involved in their communities.
“Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors in the NWT to participate in meaningful activities that nurture their personal growth and foster community vitality.”
The announcement event was hosted today by AVENS, who are receiving $25,000 to assist in the purchase of a greenhouse, compost bins, garden tools and boxes to allow seniors to grow and harvest food.
Daryl Dolynny, CEO of AVENS states that through the funding provided for Seniors Program, AVENS is able to implement the ‘Growing Green with Seniors’ project.
“This multi-year project will provide our residents the opportunity to share knowledge while composting and growing vegetables and herbs. Our residents will be working with volunteers, a variety of individuals from community organizations such as Yellowknife Seniors Society, Ecology North, Community Gardens, and various schools.”
Dolynny adds that this program will support seniors with disabilities as the greenhouse location and layout will be wheelchair friendly and easily accessible for seniors.
“Nurturing the mind, body and spirit, AVENS ‘Growing Green with Seniors’ will help clients function with more dexterity, independence and confidence.”
To receive community-based project funding, one or more of the program’s five objectives must be addressed.
- volunteering,
- mentoring,
- expanding awareness of elder abuse,
- social participation and
- capital assistance.
Organizations are to apply for NHSP community-based funding through a call for proposals. The project funding announced today was approved as part of a call for proposals that launched on May 7th, 2018, and closed on June 22nd, 2018.
