Grants boost programs for Thornhill seniors

Yorkregion.com
March 13, 2014

The Hon. Peter Kent, MP for Thornhill, announced New Horizons funding of more than $340,000 supporting 14 groups developing programs for seniors in Thornhill communities this week.

He made the announcement on behalf of the Hon. Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

The call for proposals for the New Horizons for Seniors program was launched Canadawide in May 2013 and closed in July 2013.

“As MP for Thornhill, I am often amazed and proud of our seniors’ skills, knowledge and experience and appreciate their social and economic contribution to Thornhill,” Mr. Kent said

The grants support programs, such as developing a senior orchestra, seniors working with mentally challenged youth, assisting new immigrants to integrate into the community and establishing a community garden, among just a few of the 14 projects.

“Our seniors remain personally active and enjoy sharing their experience and knowledge with other members of the Thornhill community.”

Eligible recipients for grants are not-for-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, as well as for-profit organizations, provided the nature and intent of the programs are non-commercial, do not generate profit and fit within the program objectives.

This year’s call for proposals for community-based projects will be launched in the next few weeks.

For more information, contact Mr. Kent’s community office at 905-886-9911.

Community groups receiving funding:
- Bayview Glen Church; Senior Artists in the Glen
- Chabad Lubavitch of Laureleaf, Genconnect
- Chabad Markham, Sunshine Circle
- Developing and Nurturing Independence (DANI), Community Integration Program for seniors
- Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (seniors group), active living
- Filipino Seniors Club, Seniors Leading Youth in Motion
- First Chinese Senior Association of Vaughan, Seniors’ Energy Rejuvenation
- Humanity First, Canada First
- Parya Trillium Foundation, Grow for Life seniors’ community garden
- Reena or Reena Community Residence, community-based volunteer communications project
- Thornhill African Caribbean Canadian Association, Scarlet Ibis Seniors Club
- Thornhill Seniors Citizens Club, Seniors on the Move
- Vaughan Community Seniors Centre, What a wonderful World - seniors music and writing project
- Jesus the King Melkite Catholic Church, seniors orchestra