Two Senior Active Living programs in the Quinte region are receiving money from the provincial government to keep seniors safe and socially connected.
The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association will receive $49,462.24, while the City of Belleville’s 50-Plus Centre seniors program will receive $42,700.
The funding will focus on virtual programs such as teleconferences, virtual educational or fitness programs, and one-on-one telephone calls to help socially isolated seniors and people with disabilities.
It may also support the application of safety control measures against the spread of COVID-19.
Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith says ongoing safety precautions related to COVID-19 have created obstacles for seniors to get out but that this funding will ensure Seniors Active Living Centres can 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 so well to the variety of online webinars and telephone events that they now offer online events at least twice a day Monday to Friday.
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk says the money allows them to continue to run Belleville’s 50+ Centre which is home to over 600 members.
