The provincial government has announced a funding boost of $51,137 for The MacKay Centre for Seniors in Goderich.
Executive Director Stephanie Hartwick said the Centre will help more seniors stay connected, fit, healthy, and active in their community.
"We are a full time centre with over 430 members, and it's incredibly important for us to have the support of the provincial government," Hartwick explained. "The funding that we get from the provincial government is our operating fund, and helps us to be able to keep our doors open and have our community have access to the services. Because without the money from the province, we wouldn't be able to do what we do."
Hartwick said the Senior's Centre is unique in the area, and offers a variety of programs to benefit seniors.
"So, our Senior Centre has fitness, and wellness programs. We do yoga, we do Tai Chi, we have choir, we have the art club, we have a coffee group, and we have cards," she said. "And we are always very, very busy. We have just restarted our Tuesday meal program, so there's meals for seniors."
Hartwick said they have also started a caregivers support groups and will launch educational sessions in the fall. She said along with provincial support, they are grateful for the support they receive from the Town of Goderich. Organizations that deliver SALC programming contribute 20 per cent of the cost of delivering the program, with the province providing the remaining 80 per cent.
In all, the province announced a recent $15 million dollar investment to support the 300 current Seniors Active Living Centre's (SALC) programs across the province
"The MacKay Centre certainly is an important hub of activity in Goderich and sets a high standard when it comes to how a seniors’ centre can positively impact quality of life, enriched with a commitment to activities that bring seniors together,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “The MacKay Centre organizes services, activities and programs that make sure our seniors stay connected all year long.”
“Senior Active Living Centre's help build healthier, safer communities by providing a community hub for older adults,’’ said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government’s expansion and investment in Seniors Active Living Centre programs will help even more older adults, including those in remote areas, get the supports they need to live healthy, independent lives.”
According to Cho, new changes to the Seniors Active Living Centre's Act of 2017 came into effect as of June 1, 2024 that enable more types of organizations to deliver Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) programs.
A call for proposals for organizations to deliver SALC programming will open later this summer. In addition to municipalities, other local and community-based organizations such as Legions, Lion’s Clubs, and other social and recreational clubs are now welcome to apply.
The province noted that the number of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly, from 2.8 million or 18.4 per cent of population in 2022, to 4.4 million, or 20.3 per cent by 2046.
As well, seniors represent a larger proportion of the population in smaller and rural communities than in urban centres.