MPP Smith announces funding to help local seniors connect, be active

Bay of Quinte MP Todd Smith announced funding of $92,162 for programs in the County and Belleville.

The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association will receive $49,462.24, while Belleville’s 50-Plus Centre seniors program will receive $42,700.

Funding will help with virtual programs such as teleconferences and educational or fitness programs, and one-on-one telephone calls to help socially isolated seniors and people with disabilities. This year’s funding program has also supported the application of safety control measures against the spread of COVID-19.

“Ongoing safety precautions related to COVID-19 have created obstacles for seniors to get out in the community to socialize and that impacts the quality of life they expect and deserve,” said Smith. “Our government’s continued investment in seniors active living centres will ensure they have the flexibility to design programming that promotes activity and social connection.”

Debbie MacDonald Moynes, the executive director for the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association says seniors in her community have responded well to the variety of online webinars and telephone events offered.

“During the long and dreary days of winter, there has been growing participation in what we are offering such that we now have online events at least twice a day Monday to Friday. There’s something to appeal to everyone,” said MacDonald Moynes. “We are very grateful to hear that we have received 2020-2021 funding for our active living programming.”

To learn more, those interested in the Prince Edward County programming can visit www.communitycareforseniors.org or call 613-476-7493.