Wild Rose MP Blake Richards visited Seniors on the Bow (SOTB) May 15 bearing a gift from the federal government.
Richards bestowed a cheque for $20,487 to SOTB, to be put toward the Intergenerational Life Skills Swap (ILSS), which is a program that offers seniors the opportunity to volunteer and mentor younger generations.
“I can’t imagine a better thing to do,” said Richards of the intergenerational program. “It’s money well spent.”
With the federal funding, SOTB will establish an intergenerational committee to host workshops and events gearing toward ILSS program. The money comes from the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which has funded more than 12,000 seniors’ projects throughout Canada.
“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy,” said Richards. “By supporting initiatives like the (ILSS), we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of our community.”
A handful of SOTB members were present to accept the cheque, including SOTB chairman Doug Campbell, who said the money would be used to build better relations between seniors and youth.
