MARTINTOWN, Ontario – MPP Jim McDonell announced on Friday, May 4 at the Martintown Community Centre that the Township of South Glengarry had received $8,000 from the Ministry of Senior Affairs’ Seniors Community Grant to help expand their Balance for Life program.
“It’s great that the Province has recognized the needs of our Senior community,” stated Mayor Ian McLeod, “On behalf of Council, thank you for supporting the Township of South Glengarry.”
Balance for Life is a 55+ Certified Senior Fitness Instructor Volunteer Training Project, and the funds will be used to train new volunteer instructors and provide them with equipment and some gas money to help bring their program to other community centres throughout the Township. Some senior residents expressed an interest in seeing the program expanded to three days a week instead of the current two, and the Township of South Glengarry’s General Manager of Community Services Joanne Haley did not completely rule-out this possibility.
The program is a part of the Township’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan, which was adopted by the Township in 2016.
“The Township of South Glengarry is thrilled to receive this funding, which will assist us as we continue to implement our Age-Friendly Community Plan,” said Haley, “We anticipate that the classes will benefit at least 100 seniors in our community, helping to increase both their physical and mental well-being.”
The Balance for Life program has already been running for more than a year.
“Our seniors built the Ontario we know today and it is up to us to treat them with the respect they deserve by enhancing their quality of life,” said MPP Jim McDonell. “This initiative from the Township of South Glengarry will accomplish this by offering opportunities for seniors to stay active, independent and maintain a healthy lifestyle”
