MP Keddy is shown with Bill Alexander, Project Chairman of the Rosedale New Horizons Club and Barbara Wentzell, Curator of the Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum.
 
Maplewood, NS  - Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, today announced federal support for the Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum and the Rosedale New Horizons Seniors Club under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which encourages seniors to continue to play an important role in their communities by helping those in need, providing leadership, and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.

MP Keddy made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors).

These projects are funded under the Community Participation and Leadership component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program. It is one of 797 projects that were approved through the 2010–2011 Community Participation and Leadership call for proposals.

The Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of seniors, and is proud to support local organizations with the same goal,” said Mr. Keddy. “These two projects bring new opportunities for seniors to contribute their skills, knowledge and experience. They also assist in recognizing the valuable contributions of seniors to community life.”

Today’s seniors know the importance of being active and staying involved in their communities,” said Minister Finley. “The New Horizons for Seniors Program is just one example of how we are helping seniors make a positive difference in their own lives and in those of the people around them.”

The Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum will receive $16,099 for its project entitled Memories Not Forgotten, which will see seniors conduct oral interviews with other seniors to document their life stories. A book of local history will be created and shared at community presentations.

Memories Not Forgotten is an important project as it captures the stories of seniors in Parkdale-Maplewood and surrounding areas for future generations,” said Barbara Wentzell, Curator, Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum. “These stories will be used for educational programs and research. This will be accomplished by producing a book, having seniors available at presentations, special events, schools, and senior’s clubs. Seniors will be coordinating and implementing all aspects of this project and at least one local youth will also be involved.”
 
This project will foster a better understanding between youth and seniors. The information will be a great asset to the community as a whole. Often senior’s are a forgotten aspect of society. This project will draw upon their experiences and show how they have and continue to contribute to society. Copies of the book will be presented to local libraries and schools. They will also be available in the museum’s gift shop.”

The Rosedale New Horizons Seniors Club will receive $9,058 for its project entitled Using ‘Windows’ to Open Doors, which will see seniors learn computer skills. The money received will assist the Club in purchasing two computers, a printer/scanner, software programs and other related equipment.  

Through the use of computers, seniors will be given an opportunity to learn how to use new technology that will enable them to share their experiences and wisdom while serving the needs of their communities.  By learning new skills that are used by younger generations, seniors will stay connected as they interact with all ages with less risk of social isolation.  As well seniors will be able to continue volunteering and giving leadership in community initiatives.

We are very appreciative of the funding received from the federal government for this project and are very eager to get the training started,” said Bill Alexander, Project Chairman, Rosedale New Horizons Seniors Club. “I already have a list of members who have signed up for computer classes which are expected to get underway by the end of the month.

Through Budget 2010: Leading the Way on Jobs and Growth, the Government invested an additional $5 million per year in the Program, bringing this year’s funding to $40 million. This additional funding will support projects that encourage seniors to volunteer and mentor other generations, as well as initiatives that aim to increase awareness of financial abuse.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps to ensure that seniors are able to benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities through their social participation and active living. Since its beginning, the Program has funded over 7, 000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. Last year alone, more than 100, 000 seniors in over 500 communities throughout the country were involved in projects funded by the Program.

For more information about the Program, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors .