Orléans seniors get funding boost

Ottawa-Orléans MP Royal Galipeau presented the association with funding for its Seniors Community Project, which will bring seniors and youth together through various activities like setting up an after-school reading program that will partner seniors and elementary students. “This project will encourage seniors in Orléans to continue sharing their skills, wisdom and experience to benefit others,” Galipeau said.

The funding comes from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which is intended to encourage seniors to continue to play an important role in their communities.

MAO chair Qamar Masood indicated he was “grateful and joyous” for the funding.

He explained the aim of MAO is to help people in Orléans and build a one-stop-shop that will guide residents in the right direction.

The organization, which sprang to life in 2006, earlier received a $35,000 Trillium grant from the province to develop and launch recreational and leisure programs for area seniors and to promote interaction, reduce isolation and increase independence.

Orléans Coun. Bob Monette, who spoke at the announcement, said it’s amazing to see what the organization has already accomplished, noting they’ve held three multicultural fairs and are planning a fourth. “We are growing,” Monette said.