OTTAWA – Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country would like to remind the community that the deadline for the second round of New Horizons for Seniors funding is June 13th, 2008.

The New Horizons for Seniors Community Participation and Leadership Funding supports community-based projects across Canada. It provides one-time, start-up funding for projects that encourage seniors to play an important role in their communities.

The objectives of this funding are to:

• encourage seniors to contribute their skills, experience and wisdom in support of social well-being in their communities;
• and promote the ongoing involvement of seniors in their communities to reduce their risk of social isolation.
  

The Program will fund costs up to $25,000 that are directly related to project activities. These could include materials, supplies, equipment, fees for a specialist, rent for a meeting room, hospitality, printing, and travel.

In our own riding, the Program has funded several worthwhile projects such as the Central Okanagan Community Gardens Society’s Barlee Community Garden/Springfield Community Garden, the Lifetime Learning Centre’s Learning for a Lifetime Community Project, the Interior Alzheimer Society Seniors Self Help Network, and the Kelowna Aboriginal Elder Community Kitchen Project through the Okanagan Metis Children and Family Services Society.

“I would like to encourage the community to consider what the New Horizons for Seniors Program could do for our community. If you have an idea, talk to others who might come on board. Talk within your organization and if you don’t belong to one, set up a group to apply or approach an existing organization with your idea and partner with them,” said Mr. Cannan.

Once again, the deadline for the current application process is June 13th, 2008. If you are interested and require more information please go to www.hrsdc.gc.ca to download an application. You can also contact the Department of Human Resources and Social Development at 1-800 277-9914 toll free. If you run into any difficulties please do not hesitate to contact my office at 470-5075.