Three local programs aimed to alleviate social isolation in seniors got a boost from a federal funding announcement this week.
More than $57,000 will be used to improve the state of public rooms at both Columbus Place and Flinder’s Place in Fort Frances, and to support the Town of Fort Frances’ Friendly Phone Call initiative.
“It is not an exaggeration to say that COVID-19 has hit seniors harder than any other group in Canadian society, both in terms of cases and death toll. Many seniors have also been forced to spend the past year-and-a-half isolated from their families and friends,” said Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River. “That is why I am happy to announce this funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which will help seniors in Northwestern Ontario safely re-connect with each other and the wider community as we enter what is hopefully the final stages of this pandemic.”
Far too many seniors face isolation in their retirement years, even before the COVID pandemic, he added.. The Government of Canada is committed to empowering seniors by supporting opportunities for older Canadians to stay involved and engaged in their communities.
Funding has also been awarded to two Thunder Bay area programs, and an Alberta program, for a total of $109,297 across the six projects. Powlowski made the funding announcement on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte, The project will help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected in their community. This funding was awarded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program’s recent call for proposals for community-based projects which will help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected.
This year, the Government of Canada increased its investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program to $60.8 million, funding over 3,000 community-based projects to support seniors across the country.
“I am proud of the thousands of projects funded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program across the country, helping Canadian seniors stay active and connected during this unprecedented time. Seniors have given and continue to give so much to our country—it’s important to provide them the programs and support they deserve,” said Powlowski.
| Organization | Project title | funding |
| Town of Fort Frances | Friendly Phone Call | $13,333 |
| Columbus Place for Seniors | Multipurpose Room Enhancement project | 20,524 |
| Flinder’s Place Fort Frances | Multi Purpose Room enhancement | $23,917 |
| Adventurehood | Tips and Tales – Active adventure stories | $16,736 |
| United Way ThunderBay | Reire United | $9,787 |
| Lakehead Social Planning Council | Connecting Isolated Seniors during COVID-19 | $25,000 |
