(Brantford) – The Government of Canada is supporting senior citizens in Brant by investing $52,505 into five local organizations. The Capital Assistance funding is part of the Government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

“Our senior’s have spent their lives contributing to our communities,” said Brant MP, Phil McColeman. “It’s important that we recognize their efforts and support programs that ensure their continued participation.”

In Brantford, The Sydenham Street United Church is receiving $25,000 to repair its roof and the Beckett Friendship Club is receiving $10,000 to replace furniture and equipment.

Also in Brantford, The Catholic 50 Club is being awarded $10,000 to replace its dishwasher and the Eagle Place Senior Citizens Club is receiving $6,700 to replace tables and shuffleboards.

In Paris, the Paris Retirees Curling Association will receive $805 to replace curling equipment.

Capital Assistance funding helps non-profit organizations upgrade facilities or equipment required for existing seniors’ programs and activities. There are 626 projects that have been approved through the 2009–2010 call for proposals, providing more than $8.5 million in funding through the Capital Assistance funding stream.
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 6,000 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.

The recent Jobs and Growth Budget committed $5 million per year to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This will be in addition to the $35 million provided every year to support projects for seniors in communities across Canada.

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