The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, was joined by Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s, member of the Placentia Chamber of Commerce and residents of the town of Placentia to announce the opening of the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative at an announcement earlier today. The event, hosted by the Placentia Chamber of Commerce, recognized the contribution of volunteers involved in supporting seniors and people of all ages through intergenerational activities.
In Budget 2021, the Provincial Government allocated $200,000 for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, which funds 50+ Clubs and seniors’ organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to organize and promote activities and programs that support social inclusion, healthy aging, mental wellness, and overall well-being.
This application-based program provides funding of up to $2,000 for eligible and successful applicants. This year, the initiative is expanded to welcome applications for intergenerational projects and activities that focus on increasing interaction and sharing of skills, knowledge, experiences and fostering respect and understanding across generations. Applications of this nature will be eligible for up to $3,000.
The Placentia Chamber of Commerce has been promoting intergenerational activities through age-friendly fairs and exhibitions, health and wellness programs as well as intergenerational activities to help improve the quality of life for seniors and people of all ages, in the region.
For more information on the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative and to obtain the guidelines and application, click here, email aging-and-seniors@gov.nl.ca, or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266. Applications will be accepted until January 14, 2022.
Quotes
“Social inclusion plays an important role in ensuring healthy aging and improved physical and mental well-being across the lifespan. Our government is committed to supporting initiatives that provide opportunities for seniors to engage actively and develop meaningful relationships with their communities. I encourage 50+ Clubs and seniors’ organizations to get an application for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative today and contribute to building a healthy and inclusive province for people of all ages.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“The Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative is creating and sustaining age-friendly communities for seniors of today and tomorrow in collaboration with full community engagement, including businesses. Age-friendly business is good business. I commend the Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the tremendous contributions that volunteers of all ages make to our communities.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh
MHA, Placentia – St. Mary’s
“Age-Friendly Placentia has had great success in helping residents be engaged and active. Residents enjoy being able to participate in learning and social activities while interacting with their peers and the many community partners in our region. These activities help build community, and providing these activities is important especially as we move forward through the pandemic and are able to be together again. Support from the Seniors Social Inclusion Initiative will give organizations like ours the capacity to ensure social engagement and inclusion opportunities are available.”
Wayne Power
President, Placentia Chamber of Commerce
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Media contact
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca
Janice Greene
Constituency Assistant to Sherry Gambin-Walsh
MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s
709-227-1304
janicegreene@gov.nl.ca
Winnie Barry
Program Coordinator
Placentia Chamber of Commerce
709-227-0003
winnie.barry@placentiachamber.ca