Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith handed out just over $60,000 as part of the Ontario Government’s Seniors Community Grants program.
On Thursday morning at the Consecon Public Library, Smith announced funding for four different projects.
- Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association – $25,000
- Quinte West Public Library – $13,462
- Hastings County – $11,138
- Prince Edward County Public Library – $10,800
Ameliasburgh Ward Councillor Janice Maynard spoke at the gathering Thursday morning and says a sense of community is vital for seniors.
“That whole idea of social inclusion, it makes such a difference. It’s just really nice to see everybody here. I’m sure all the groups will make wonderful use of the funding.”
Peter Landry of the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association, says their funding will be for better outreach and communication with seniors in the municipality. The funds will help hire a project manager to recruit and train volunteers, along with better understanding of the needs of the growing seniors population.
Prince Edward County has approximately twice the population of seniors as the average Ontario municipality.
Quinte Public Library will be offering food programming for seniors to interact with singles, youngsters, and busy families. They will also offer a seniors luncheon and special events for seniors.
Hastings County is using the money to engage seniors that live in community housing. Access to health equipment, wellness centre passes, and transportation will be a focus for the funds.
Finally, PEC Public Library is targeting the funds for seniors programs and Friends of the Library groups. They will also launch other Friends of the Library groups at PEC library branches where they currently do not exist.
Peter Landry of the PEC Community Care for Seniors Association speaks at the Consecon Library, with MPP Todd Smith looking on (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
