DARTMOUTH: Seniors are staying healthy, active, and connected in their communities through 44 projects supported by the Age-Friendly Communities Grant program.
“The many wonderful projects supported with these grants are helping seniors age well and stay connected in their communities,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care.
“From helping vulnerable, isolated seniors stay safe and healthy to providing opportunities to be active, learn new skills, and enjoy activities with others, these projects are making a difference for seniors across Nova Scotia.”
Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada and Recreation Nova Scotia are two of the community organizations that received grants.
With its $20,000 grant, Dartmouth-based VETS Canada is providing older veterans in crisis with immediate food and housing support and long-term resources to support their well-being.
Older veterans in crisis can get food at the organization’s community pantry in Dartmouth, while those with mobility issues or living in rural areas have their food delivered. Veterans can also learn to cook nutritious meals at VETS Canada’s community kitchen in Dartmouth.
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With a grant of $10,000, Recreation Nova Scotia is developing videos to teach seniors how to safely use recreational and adaptive equipment. Community organizations and municipalities will use them to show seniors how to use equipment available to borrow, such as Nordic walking poles, snowshoes, cross-country skis and bicycles. This grant is dedicated to the memory of Bill VanGorder, a seniors’ advocate who championed active living for seniors. Mr. VanGorder passed away in September.
The full list of grant recipients and projects is available at: https://novascotia.ca/age-friendly-grant/.
Applications for the next round of grants are now open, and they close on November 19. More information on the program, including eligibility and how to apply, is at the link above.
Quotes:
“On behalf of everyone at VETS Canada, I want to say how grateful we are for this funding.
“We know first-hand just how much the food and other essential services provided through this project are helping older veterans in need. This is giving them some stability at a vulnerable time in their lives. We wouldn’t be able to do the work we do without support like this.”
— Debbie Lowther, CEO and co-founder, Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada
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“Recreation plays an important role in supporting healthy aging by helping people stay physically active and creating opportunities for social connection. Equipment loan programs are valuable community resources across the province.
“Through this project, we will create practical resources that help seniors feel confident and safe using recreation and adaptive equipment. We are grateful for this support.”
— Graham Mounsey, Executive Director, Recreation Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
– the program provides grants annually for efforts that help seniors age well and stay active, healthy and involved in their communities
– two types of grants are available:
– project grants of up to $20,000, which support activities such as fitness and movement classes, art and music activities, community meals, training, transportation and outreach
– planning grants of up to $25,000, which support community engagement, research and planning to identify seniors’ needs, and guide future action
– groups eligible to apply include registered not-for-profit community organizations, municipalities, Mi’kmaq band councils, universities and not-for-profit post-secondary institutions, and schools applying through a regional centre for education or the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial
– individuals and businesses are not eligible to apply
