FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the Constituency Office of Karen Vecchio, Member of Parliament
MP Vecchio announces eight new community-based projects in
Elgin-Middlesex-London to support seniors
April 21, 2021
ST. THOMAS, ON- Today, Karen Vecchio, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, on behalf of the Government of Canada, announced an investment of $177,524.00 for eight community-based projects in the riding. These projects will help seniors stay active, informed and socially connected within their communities. This funding was awarded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program’s recent call for proposals for community-based projects.
“I am happy to announce eight projects funded through the New Horizons for Seniors program across Elgin-Middlesex-London. These projects will provide a wide range of opportunities for seniors to promote volunteerism, mentoring of others and support social participation and inclusion of seniors.” – MP Karen Vecchio, Elgin-Middlesex-London
Within Elgin-Middlesex-London the following projects have been funded through the program.
1. Municipality of Dutton Dunwich’s Happy Hearts Fitness Park
2. County of Elgin Homes and Senior Services’ Drumming- Finding Our Heartbeat
3. Fanshaw College’s Technology Essentials: Virtual Programming for Seniors
4. Hope’s Eating Disorders Support’s the Dining Room Table Talks
5. L’Arche London’s Art of Wisdom
6. Masonic Centre of Elgin’s Rejuvenation Project
7. Royal Canadian Legion Colonel Talbot Branch 81’s Revamp & Replacement of Downstairs Flooring
8. The Harvest Bowl’s Food Insecurity and Rural Seniors during COVID
Far too many seniors face isolation in their retirement years. Although this was an issue before the COVID-19 pandemic, the public health restrictions and increased separation of our most vulnerable citizens has exacerbated these concerns. These New Horizon for Senior’s Programs are increasingly critical to empower seniors by supporting opportunities for older Canadians to stay involved and engaged in their communities.
The L’Arche London’s Art of Wisdom project for seniors will create a new opportunity of connections for seniors with and without intellectual disabilities to actively engage both creatively and socially within London and the surrounding area. Each virtual session lasts six weeks and is facilitated by L’Arche’s Arts Educator, attached are images from their spring sessions with participants enjoying watercolour painting.
The Harvest Bowl is a project in Elgin County that brings together seniors from rural areas of Elgin-Middlesex-London to engage in volunteering and advocating for Buy Local and Buy Fresh. The Harvest Bowl combines community resources to produce dry mix soups to donate to local organizations with the help of senior participants, who ensure that those living in poverty or who lack food security are assisted. Harvest Bowl has a unique mission that incorporates senior involvement in our community to alleviate the food security struggles many people face every day. MP Karen Vecchio is happy to support all the above organizations and the variety of ways that these projects will empower our seniors.
Related Documents
Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program
Associated Links
Programs and services for seniors
New Horizons for Seniors Program – Engaging seniors, strengthening communities
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For more information:
Jill Ferguson
Member’s Assistant
Office of Karen Vecchio MP
519-637-2255
