$25,000 grant to develop volunteer recruitment program

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association will receive $25,000 to develop a volunteer recruitment program for younger seniors and create videos on volunteering to increase awareness and promote volunteerism.

Community Care for Seniors began in 1977 with a mission “to assist older adults to live in a home environment in reasonable independence”. Community support services include:
– nutrition services that see hot or frozen meals delivered to the door of clients or provided in a congregate setting in the rural parts of The County, special diets can be accommodated;
– escorted transportation services where volunteers drive seniors to medical and other appointments as well as assist with getting groceries and other essentials to support the choice to live at home;
– reassurance and visiting programs to help people remain safe and socially involved even while they are shut in;
– help with maintaining one’s home such as light and heavy cleaning, meal preparation, yard and garden work, snow shovelling, etc.;
– educational and support services that include computer & driving courses, hearing help classes, arthritis clinics, weekly newspaper column, and regular educational speakers on topics of interest;
– activities to maintain active living such as a walking program, footcare clinics and Tai Chi;
– respite and support for those who care for elderly people at home.

Visit the Community Care for Seniors website for more information on programs, services and how to become a volunteeer. http://communitycareforseniors.org

Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings, made the funding announcement on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Kramp. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”

Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $35.6 million in funding for almost 2,000 community projects.