Application deadline fast approaching for 2013-2014 New Horizons for Seniors Program funding

RICHMOND, BC, June 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Eligible organizations across Canada still have the opportunity to submit applications for New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding until July 5, 2013 (September 6 for Quebec).

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today reminded all organizations that promote the engagement of seniors to take advantage of the 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects, which was launched on May 22, 2013.

"Many organizations in Canada are committed to helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and to helping them continue to be active, participating members of their communities," said Minister of State Wong. "Through initiatives like the NHSP, seniors have new opportunities to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in the life of others."

Eligible organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

Minister of State Wong also highlighted that Volunteer Richmond Information Services is receiving close to $25,000 in NHSP funding. The organization will develop new information material to help raise awareness of elder abuse, including power of attorney rights and responsibilities.

"Funding from the Government of Canada will have a substantial impact on our community," said Mary Kemmis, President, Volunteer Richmond Information Services. "It will allow us to address the growing concern of elder financial abuse, particularly when it's caused by the exploitation of powers of attorney. We'll be able to educate seniors and their family members on how to prevent this form of abuse, with a focus on Richmond's ethno-cultural communities."

Government initiatives such as the NHSP help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit seniors.gc.ca.

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Backgrounder

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The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 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 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects was launched on May 22, 2013. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in funding per year and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The call for proposals will close on July 5, 2013, for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call will close on September 6, 2013, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The NHSP recently approved over 1 750 community-based projects through the 2012-2013 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

(media only)

Mark Wall
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors)
613-617-7993

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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