By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Seniors in Wellesley Township and surrounding areas have been given a funding boost by the provincial government to help them stay active and healthy.
Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris and Raymond Cho, minister for seniors and accessibility, announced new investments at the Aging Well in Wellesley Information and Active Living Fair Nov. 13 in the Bill Gies Recreation Centre. The government said the investments reflect Ontario’s ongoing commitment to seniors by enhancing services and programs that promote health, fitness and social engagement closer to home. More than 100 area seniors attended the event with two dozen booths offering supports.
Community Care Concepts (CCC) of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot is getting over $50,000 in annual investments, up from about $42,000 in previous funding.
“We can deliver more programs and operate longer hours,” said CCC executive director Cathy Harrington.
The organization delivers services for older adults in the area.
“We need to ensure the programs we offer are in our unique communities. In this space, people who are residents of Wellesley, St. Clements, Hawkesville and Linwood; it’s about ensuring people (have access to our programs) within their communities, particularly when we do not necessarily have accessible transportation to go to another community.”
She added being able to respond to the unique needs of older adults and work with them to organize activities and services that get them connected and linked to other services is an important component of the active-living centre.
“They may come out to play cards, crokinole or just to visit with friends, but they can learn about all the other supports and services we have,” Harrington said.
“Our government remains committed to investing in senior communities across our province,” said Harris. “Wellesley is home to a growing and vibrant seniors’ community, and now more than ever, we need to continue investing in the services, activities and programs that empower our seniors to live active and fulfilling lives.”
Cho, who is 88, said there are a few reasons for the funding increase.
“Inflation is one. Everything costs more,” he said.
He added social isolation is very dangerous for seniors and explained the United Kingdom has a minister responsible for loneliness. Cho shared a story during his time in provincial government when he spoke with an older woman.
“She told me the senior centre she attended saved her life. She lost her husband a few years ago and she just stayed home. A few of her friends offered to take her and she agreed to take part. Since then, it changed her life. Now, she is meeting old friends and making new friends and is full of life. She looked so happy. That’s a true story.”
Along with active-living centres, Cho said the province provides funding for senior-living fairs, such as the one in Wellesley last week, and community grants local, non-profit organizations can apply for.
“Seniors helped build Wellesley, as well as all the communities in Kitchener-Conestoga and across Ontario,” said Cho. “When we invest in our seniors, we are building a better province for all. These investments help our seniors live happy, healthy and independent lives.”
Harris said the unique number of services available at the Wellesley Township Recreation Complex is partially thanks to the presence of Woolwich Community Health.
“If a group qualifies, they can get up to $25,000. The idea is to bring seniors together to avoid isolation.”
“One of the things Cathy and her team are good at, aside from offering games and companionship, is the ability to identify some risks or issues that could be going on in someone’s life. She can work with some of the other area agencies to build a plan to help that person,” Harris said.
He added it could be something as simple as Meals on Wheels or programs that address more complex medical needs.
“They run a diabetic clinic here. Having these integrated hubs is a huge part of what minister Cho is looking for and, of course, what Cathy and her team have tried to develop.”
Cho jokingly said he sees himself as a missionary for seniors and accessibility.
“I try my best. It’s a blessing to have this post. I can’t do it alone. I need collaboration and support like what’s happening here in Wellesley. They are doing a great job.”
There are now 316 Seniors Active Living Centres in Ontario and the province said it is investing $15 million in similar programs.
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