VANCOUVER, March 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Seniors in Vancouver have benefited from more social opportunities and learned new skills, thanks to support from the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience seniors contribute to our society and the economy," said Minister of State Wong. "Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities."
The Oakridge Seniors' Society received $17,926 to purchase computers, which the Oakridge Seniors' Centre used for an Internet café program. In partnership with Eric Hamber Secondary School and the Canadian Flowers for Food Society, the Centre also started an English conversation club and a flower arrangement class.
"The funding from the Government of Canada is allowing us to empower seniors in our community," said Niels Andersen, President, Oakridge Seniors' Centre. "We have seniors into their eighties and nineties who are coming to our Centre to learn computer skills and improve their English conversation skills. As a result, their interests have widened and their self-esteem has soared."
The Government invested more than $35.6 million in NHSP funding for over 1 900 new community-based projects across Canada, approved through the 2011-2012 call for proposals. For more information, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.
backgrounder
New Horizons for Seniors Program
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 for the benefit of others. Since it began, the Program has funded more than 10 400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.
NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.
Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.
Community-based project funding provides support for activities that are inspired or led by seniors and address one or more of the program's five objectives. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 per year per organization in grant funding.
For more information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors
SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Mark Wall
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State Wong (Seniors)
819-953-1144
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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