Ontario Celebrates Seniors Community Grant Recipients in Newmarket and Aurora
Funding helping connect older adults to programs that help them stay active and socially connected
Newmarket — The Ontario government is supporting francophone seniors in the community by awarding L’ Association des francophones de la Region de York Inc. (AFRY) and Communauté du Trille blanc with Seniors Community Grants. AFRY is receiving up to $25,000 for their “Les aînés s’amusent!!!” program. Communauté du Trille blanc is receiving up to $21,800 for their “Engagement actif pour les aînés” program.
“Our government is helping seniors stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected in their communities,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “Supporting our French-speaking culture is an important step in insuring the vitality of Ontario’s bilingualism. These grants will provide important resources for our francophone seniors, allowing older adults to engage in enriching activities.”
The Ontario government is investing up to $6 million through the Seniors Community Grant Program to support 282 community projects that help seniors and older adults stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected, close to home. Programs range from physical activities to exposure to the arts and music, to learning opportunities, day trips, and so much more.
Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. The Seniors Community Grants Program is a unique Ontario government grant designed to reduce social isolation, fight ageism and create positive connections
L’Association des francophones de la Région de York Inc’s program called “Les aînés s’amusent!!!” will connect francophone seniors to participate weekly in a selection of activities over seven months. The program will include physical activities such as pickleball, swimming and skating, and also cultural outings.
“We listened to the French-speaking community and its elders; They want to be active and have fun. We will make this easy for them by planning activity schedules without them having to worry about the administrative aspect. We will organize 3 one-day trips which will allow them to know new places, new people and to be stimulated to deepen or develop knowledge. Its activities will also allow some people to socialize and escape their isolation. We are very grateful to the provincial government for supporting us in the development of this program,” said Alain Beaudoin, President and Interim General Director of L’Association des francophones de la Région de York.
The Communauté du Trille blanc’s “Engagement actif pour les aînés” will provide educational sessions and physical activities for francophone seniors in York Region. The activities will provide linguistic and cultural relevant opportunities for seniors to grow and learn new things, such as using technology and have intergenerational activities.
“The Communauté du Trille blanc is thrilled to receive this grant which will allow us to offer our Active Engagement for Seniors’ Program. This funding is crucial in helping our francophone seniors stay active, healthy, and connected to their community. With this support, we will be able to organize educational sessions and physical activities tailored to the needs and interests of our seniors, while promoting social inclusion and intergenerational sharing,” said Lori-Ann Seward, Executive Director of the Communauté du Trille blanc.
QUICK FACTS
- See the full list of 2024-25 Seniors Community Grants.
- Since 2018, Ontario has invested in over 1700 Seniors Community Grants.
- See the full list of Seniors Active Living Centres.
- The number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly, from 2.8 million or 18.4 per cent of population in 2022, to 4.4 million, or 20.3 per cent by 2046.
For further information please contact:
Scott MacLean
Constituency Assistant
Email: Dawn.GallagherMurphy@pc.ola.org
Phone: 905-853-9889