Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo made the announcement last week that seven New Horizons for Seniors programs will begin throughout the riding for a total of $134,142. Mrs. McLeod made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finely, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).
Two of the seven programs are within the community of Barriere.
“I was really pleased when I heard who was getting the grants,” said McLeod as she announced the funding at the Barriere Senior’s Hall, “Congratulations Barriere on these two very important projects in your community. Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy. Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”
Funding for Barriere projects include:
• $20,000 for the Barriere and District Senior’s Society to purchase a ride-on lawn mower, new counter tops in the hall kitchen, kitchen supplies, new curtains for the hall stage, and paint for the building.
• $25,000 for the District of Barriere’s Seniors in Motion program, which will be to purchase nine pieces of all weather outdoor exercise equipment that will be set up in the park close to the playground area.
It was noted that Barriere resident and fitness instructor Barb Gordon, will be volunteering her time to teach seniors about how to use the equipment by using “correct form” once it is installed in the park. There will also be plaques on each piece of the equipment with instructions for its use.
It was also mentioned that Barriere Lion’s Club will be donating and building a gazebo in the park so some of the equipment will be under a roof, while the balance will be outdoors.
Members of the Senior’s Society and the District of Barriere were excited to receive the news, and thanked the MP, and the Canadian Government for supporting their programs with the much appreciated funding.
McLeod stated, “Barriere people must be doing some great grant writing proposals to get so many grants to benefit your community.”