Local seniors to benefit from $2,110 investment in Westville Heritage Room
Recognizing the significant and valuable contributions that seniors make to our communities, Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova was pleased to announce that Seniors in Westville will now have more opportunities to participate in an art program, and also be able to enjoy improved fitness classes and activities thanks to a $2,110 grant through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Fraser made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, prior to a weekly fitness class, which at times has seen over 60 participants.
The funding for the Heritage Group, who is based out of the municipal building in Westville, includes the purchase of an amp for the instructor to use during fitness classes and activities. Over the last couple of years, the group has grown so large, they have had to borrow an amp from a staff member, but are now able to purchase their own. Additionally, funds are being used to purchase basic supplies for a growing art group. With interest outpacing supplies, this funding will see the purchase of paint, canvases and brushes, removing any barriers to participation for the budding senior artists in the community.
The Heritage Group is open to seniors aged 55+, who use the space in Westville for their monthly meetings, painting, line dancing, fitness classes and various activities. The group, which also meets weekly to go bowling, is always welcoming new members. For those interested, they can attend the monthly meeting at 2pm on the first Monday of each month in the Heritage Room, or contact Clare Steele at the Westville Recreation Office at (902) 396-1059.
The New Horizons for Seniors Program promotes positive aging by supporting seniors’ volunteerism and encouraging seniors to play an active role in their communities. This innovative program enhances seniors’ social well-being and enables them to maintain social ties and share their knowledge, skills and experience with others.
“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians have a real and fair chance to succeed. We support a wide array of New Horizons for Seniors Program projects that bring seniors together in innovative ways to help build communities that are strong and vibrant. These grassroots projects are community-driven and promote social interaction, positive aging and seniors’ well-being. They reach out to seniors and encourage them to pursue active lifestyles, expand their social network and play a leading role in activities that inspire goodwill, sharing and fellowship among community members.
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Canada
“This is a fantastic program supporting through the Town of Westville that is truly making a difference in the lives of seniors here in Westville, and the broader community. To know that this funding removes barriers to participation, and encourages seniors to be more active and have a place to be involved in their community is fantastic.”
– Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“The Town of Westville is proud to have such an active group of seniors in the community. There are many people who will benefit from the New Horizons Grant and we are extremely grateful for the support to help our program grow and thrive.”
– Roger MacKay, Mayor, Town of Westville
Quick Facts
• This project was approved through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2017–2018 Call for Proposals for Community-based Projects.
• Through the NHSP 2017-2018 Call for Proposals, the Government of Canada is providing approximately $35 million in NHSP funding for more than 1,880 community-based projects.
• Since 2004, the NHSP has approved close to 21,600 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total Government of Canada investment of approximately $452.5 million.
• The NHSP 2017-2018 Call for Proposals for Community-based Projects was open from May 10, 2017 until June 23, 2017.
• Eligible organizations can receive up to $25,000 in project funding.
Associated Links
Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based Projects
Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program – Pan-Canadian Projects
Backgrounder
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.
The objectives of the NHSP are:
• promoting volunteerism among seniors;
• engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others;
• expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
• supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
• providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.
NHSP funding supports community-based projects and pan-Canadian projects.
Community-based projects
Community-based project funding supports activities that engage seniors and address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance. These projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Approximately $35 million is provided each year for community-based projects.
More than 1,880 projects across Canada were approved through the NHSP 2017–2018 Call for Proposals for Community-based Projects. It invited organizations to apply for funding for projects that help empower seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and support communities by increasing their capacity to address local issues.
Pan-Canadian projects
Pan-Canadian projects test and share best practices across the country and replicate interventions that have worked well in addressing seniors’ issues.
Projects that have received funding through the NHSP 2015–2016 Call for Proposals for Pan-Canadian Projects are using a collective impact approach where project partners work together to achieve measurable results in addressing social isolation among seniors.
These projects are funded for up to three years and receive financial support of up to $750,000.
More than $21 million is being made available for pan-Canadian projects funded through the NHSP 2015–2016 Call for Proposals.