David Tilson Announces Funding to Support Local Seniors and Children

BOLTON, ON – Seniors across the nation will soon have new opportunities to volunteer, mentor younger generations and help raise awareness of elder abuse thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, made the announcement today at The Village Keepers in Caledon, which is receiving funding support from the Program for its project to engage seniors and support young children.

“Our Government recognizes the many significant contributions seniors make to their communities and to our country,” said Mr. Tilson. “The New Horizons for Seniors Program is an excellent program which ensures we continue to keep seniors actively engaged in their communities through the mentoring of others, which this particular project will certainly accomplish.”

The Village Keepers will receive $15,400 for its project to engage seniors in the community through the mentoring of others by organizing an intergenerational project to assist older adults and support young children. Seniors will teach new parents regarding childhood development to enhance early learning and literacy.

“Our SKIP: Let's Play Program allows our vital seniors in the community to teach families about early literacy and early learning," said Nicola Harris, Executive Director of The Village Keepers. "Many seniors are playing a more active role in terms of caring for their grandchildren and great grandchildren. This program arms seniors with valuable tools to help support the early learning practices in homes with children.”

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.