The Springville Presbyterian Church is receiving $1,950 in federal funds to fix up its well under Ottawa’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Central Nova MP Sean Fraser announced the grant to local community members during a potluck dinner at the church hall Saturday. The money will pay for a new well cover and crocks.
Fraser said that it was vital for the federal government to have a strong presence in rural communities “aside from a Mountie detachment and a post office.”
The latest announcement comes just days after Ottawa made a call for proposals for community-based projects to help elderly folks in Pictou County.
From now until June 15, people and organizations can make proposals for projects led or inspired by seniors. Eligible groups can receive up to $25,000 in funding.
Also starting this year, organizations that have not benefitted from NHSP funding during the last five years can receive up to $5,000 as part of the new small grants pilot project.
Organizations can apply for funding on projects that benefit vulnerable seniors, promote volunteerism and focus on the diversity of Canadian seniors, all three of which are national priorities laid out by Ottawa.
“Nothing gets done around here without volunteers getting themselves [involved] in the community doing good work,” said Fraser.
Ottawa says that programs like New Horizons will encourage seniors to stay involved in their community, but also increase their social participation and inclusion.
The government says this is key to enhancing their well-being and quality of life, enabling them to stay active and share their knowledge, skills and experience with other community members, according to the federal government.
