Seniors benefit from Government of Canada’s support for community-based projects in Guelph

May 26, 2022

nhprogram The seniors' food-based programming of the SEED at the Guelph Community Health Centre

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has helped millions of Canadians, including seniors, by providing them with COVID-19-related supports and benefits. As Canada emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government will continue to support community organizations that make a difference and create opportunities for seniors to stay active and involved in their communities.

Today, Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Seniors, the Honourable Kamal Khera, announced an investment of $137,540 for 7 community-based projects. These projects will empower seniors in our community and provide them with valuable programs and supports. This funding was awarded through the most recent call for proposals for community-based projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

Guelph Community Health Centre receives funding in the amount of $17,200 for the Creative Conversations program to involve seniors alongside youth in gardening and food preparation
Guelph Chinese Canadian Cultural Group receives funding in the amount of $20,000 for the Forever Young program to involve seniors in virtual and in person social and physical activities as well as informational sessions
Guelph Public Library receives funding in the amount of $25,000 for the Knitting Connections program where seniors will create knit goods for newborns while engaging in discussions around technology and fraud prevention in various information sessions
Hospice Wellington receives funding in the amount of $14,000 to engage seniors in workshops focusing on exercise and overall well-being
Kindle Communities Organization receives funding in the amount of $22,850 to purchase raised garden beds, benches and equipment to allow seniors to grow food while engaging and socializing around horticulture
Priory Park Baptist Church receives funding in the amount of $13,490 for the Shelter and Rainwater Harvesting project to extend their accessible garden and outdoor activities to support social participation and inclusion of seniors
The City of Guelph will receive $25,000 to retrofit the West End Community centre fitness room to allow seniors to be active in fitness, nutrition and mindfulness programming

In Budget 2022, the Government proposed an additional $20 million over two years, beginning in 2022–23, for an expanded NHSP to support more projects that improve the quality of life for seniors and help them continue to participate fully in their communities.

As part of this year’s NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects, organizations were invited to apply for funding in support of the following national priorities to reflect issues and priorities facing seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery:

Supporting healthy ageing
Preventing senior abuse
Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion; and
Helping seniors to age in place.

Through a simplified application process, organizations submitted project proposals to help seniors move beyond the pandemic and continue to play important roles in their communities.

Quotes

“Every year, the New Horizons for Seniors Program makes a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors across Canada. I am thrilled that we are funding thousands of projects across the country focused on improving the quality of life of seniors. These projects will help seniors fight social isolation, will combat seniors fraud, and will support healthy aging in an inclusive and accessible environment. By supporting these community-based projects we are taking action to ensure that seniors are empowered and have a strong presence in their communities.”

~ Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera

“Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Government of Canada is providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors in Guelph to participate in meaningful activities that nurture their personal growth and foster inclusivity and community vitality.”

~ Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph

“I am thrilled that this funding will enable the City to make improvements to the West End Community Centre fitness room. I’m also thrilled to see funding for several other community projects and programs. Together, these projects will make a significant difference for the health and wellness of seniors in our city.”

~ Cam Guthrie, Mayor, City of Guelph

The Guelph CHC is grateful for this contribution in funding. We know that increasing sense of belonging and decreasing social isolation is critical to wellness, in particular for seniors in our community. We look forward to creating space and place for seniors to come together to grow fresh food and prepare healthy meals, while making new connections.”

~ Kate Vsetula, Director of Community and Organizational Development

“In the Chinese community, our seniors are highly respected and valued members. Thus, it is with great appreciation we receive the New Horizons for Seniors grant. This helps us fund our senior’s activities such as senior birthday parties, senior dance club, senior yoga and senior Zumba among others.”

~ Lucy Lu, President of Guelph Chinese Canadian Cultural Group

“Thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Program, this project will make a significant difference in the lives of seniors in our community, as well as to new babies and families. Knitting and crocheting are proven to provide relaxation and improve motor functions – plus through this project, participants will have the opportunity to connect with others for a good cause.”

~ Steven Kraft, CEO Guelph Public Library

“We are so grateful to have support from the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This project will allow us to add raised beds, benches, and equipment to our community garden for seniors from the Onward Willow neighbourhood. Through this funding, community members will have the opportunity to garden, learn and connect by growing food with one another.”

~ Sheila Markle, CEO Kindle Communities Organization

“The accessible garden has been a source of socialization and engagement for our seniors community to grow plants and vegetables. We are thankful for this funding to expand our program to include a rainwater harvesting system as well as shelter for the seniors to rest and escape the heat of the summer.”

Sue Woodward, Priory Park Community Garden Co-ordinator

Quick Facts

Seniors are the fastest-growing age group in Canada. By 2030, the number of seniors is expected to reach 9.4 million, representing close to one quarter of Canada’s population.
The NHSP is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help seniors stay active and engaged.
Since 2004, the NHSP has funded more than 33,500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total investment from the Government of Canada of more than $720 million.
The funding helps support activities that engage seniors in their communities and address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, supporting social participation, and providing capital assistance.
Every year, organizations are invited to apply for NHSP community-based funding through a call for proposals. The projects announced today were approved as part of a call for proposals that was launched on November 23, 2021, and closed on December 21, 2021.
Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding.

Related Documents

Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Associated Links

Programs and services for seniors
New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities

Backgrounder: Government of Canada supports for seniors

Minister Khera announces one-time payment

For media enquiries, please contact:

Lianne Cassidy

Executive Assistant to Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph

519-837-8276

Lianne.cassidy.432@parl.gc.ca

Mahreen Dasoo