The Silver Harbour Seniors' Activity Centre received more than $98,000 in federal funding for a pilot project helping those who feel isolated and disconnected from their community.
The North Shore Seniors Connect: Transportation and Connectedness pilot project aims to address and identify the transportation needs of North Vancouver seniors. It will also enable them to take part in local activities, according to a media release.
"Seniors speak frequently about the benefits of connecting programs and services, such as improved physical and mental health and a better social support network," stated Annwen Loverin, executive director of the seniors' centre, in the release. "However, seniors also recognize that one of the biggest barriers to participation is transportation."
Over the two-year project, the seniors' centre will catalogue transportation services and program information.
Its project agenda includes a telephone hotline, print media, email lists and the Internet to disseminate transportation services information to seniors.
"This project will provide much-needed rides to isolated seniors in our community, allowing them to remain independent and age in place," Loverin stated.
Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong and North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton announced the funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program in mid-November. The program has funded more than 13,000 projects across Canada.
