On June 20, 2023, MPP Anthony Leardi, along with the Parliamentary Assistant (PA) to the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, MPP Daisy Wai, visited several local Seniors Community Centres dotted across Essex County.

In addition to meeting with Boards of Directors for these organizations and learning about the activities and benefits they provide to seniors in our communities, several important funding announcements were made.

The Province of Ontario has set aside $14 million annually to support Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) and $4.5 million in Seniors Community Grants (SCG).  Facilities in the riding of Essex received funding as follows:

Under the funding for Seniors Active Living Centres:

• The Essex Retirees’ Social Club received $45,671
• The Good Neighbour Club of Belle River and Area received $51,438

Under the funding for Seniors Community Grants:

• The Town of Amherstburg received $14,370
• The Kingsville Community Centre received $25,000

“I want to recognize and thank each of our support centres for all the work they are doing to ensure seniors can stay connected within their communities,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex.

“I was very happy to meet with local seniors and the champions of these organizations to see, firsthand, the incredible work that goes on in our community.”

The Kingsville Community Centre showcased their community garden with its extensive line of produce that seniors can take home to eat.

The centre also has volunteers creating mats, bags, and other items to reduce waste as a community and give new life to old items.

The Essex Retirees’ Social Club showcased their DrumFit Program, with MPP’s Leardi and Wai partaking in the fun with Mayor of Lakeshore Tracey Bailey. The Social Club also has a community pantry and provides a social outlet for local seniors.

The Good Neighbour Club of Belle River had a large group of seniors playing the card game Bridge. The Board of Directors indicated that this is a favourite among the group. The Good Neighour Club has hundreds of seniors who take advantage of their centre each year.

“There are so many wonderful organizations that support programs and services, enabling seniors to stay fit, healthy and socially connected within their communities,” said PA Daisy Wai. “Kingsville and Essex County are beautiful, and I am very happy to see the amazing work going on locally with our seniors.”

The Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility is committed to helping seniors and people living with disabilities live healthy, active lives, and maintain a social connection with their community.

Photos courtesy of MPP Anthony Leardi