Rainy River Seniors Activity Depot gets funding boost

News Release
Ont. Govt.

KENORA, ON, Sept. 5 /CNW/ - The first substantial increase in provincial
funding for elderly persons’ centres in two decades means Kenora area seniors
will have access to better programs and services, Minister Responsible for
Seniors Jim Bradley announced today.
Nine centres located in Dryden, Eagle River, Fort Frances, Kenora, Rainy
River, Sioux Lookout, Sioux Narrows, Stratton and Vermillion Bay will receive
additional funding totalling $62,100, thanks to a new McGuinty government
initiative to increase support to elderly persons’ centres. That brings total
provincial funding for these centres to $181,427.
“This new money will enrich social and recreational programs so that our
older adults can stay active, healthy and involved in the community,” Bradley
said.
Elderly persons’ centres (EPCs) provide recreational and social programs,
public education and support services for older Ontarians. They promote
wellness for 65,000 seniors through recreational, physical, social and
volunteer programs.
“Seniors deserve the very best programs and services to help them stay
active in their communities,” said George Smitherman, Minister of Health and
Long-Term Care.
The province is providing increases to each of the 224 elderly persons’
centres across the province that are approved for funding.
“We are delighted the government is supporting seniors,” said Older Adult
Centres’ Association of Ontario President Ellen Hope. “This additional funding
will assist senior citizens centres to provide and enhance fitness programs,
health education, and support services - all geared to promoting health and
independence for all seniors in Ontario.”

Name of Centre City Funding Total Funding Amount
Dryden Go Getters Dryden $5,400 $18,242

Happy Go Lucky Seniors Club Vermillion Bay $5,000 $13,030

Kenora District New Horizons Kenora $11,600 $39,100
Seniors Centre

Rainy River Senior Activity Rainy River $5,000 $11,500
Depot Drop-In Centre

Seniors Friendship Club of Eagle River $5,000 $12,500
Sunset Country

Sioux Area Seniors Activity Sioux Lookout $7,400 $24,855
Centre

Sister Betty Kennedy Centre Fort Frances $12,700 $42,700

Stratton Elderly Persons Centre Stratton $5,000 $8,500

Sunrise Echoes - Sioux Narrows Sioux Narrows $5,000 $11,000
- Seniors Club
The funding will improve services and programs, such as recreational activities, nutritional counselling and public education about the many other programs important to maintaining senior’s independence. It may also be used to help upgrade facilities.
In addition to the increase for existing approved EPCs, approximately 24 new approved elderly persons’ centres will be established later this year.