LSO calls on Pontiac residents to pitch projects for seniors
Djeneba Dosso
Local Journalism Initiative
OUTAOUAIS: As part of their recent New Horizons for Seniors program, the federal government is offering up to $25,000 in financial assistance toward the creation of community projects addressing elder isolation. Loisir Sport Outaouais (LSO) is calling on the Pontiac community to propose initiatives they can submit funding applications for. Normand Veillette, LSO development agent, is tasked with helping residents prepare their funding applications until the September 14 deadline.
“The objective of this program is to get seniors out of isolation and ensure they’re integrated in the community’s rural and urban development,” he said, noting the key is ensuring seniors socialize while staying active and stimulated. Yoga, pétanque and arts and crafts workshops are examples of ideas suitable for pitching according to Veillette, but he stresses that residents can and are encouraged to go further.
“LSO is tasked with public leisure, but ideas can go further than that,” he said, encouraging Pontiac residents to help seniors acquire new skills. “You can hold training on financial fraud prevention and how to be wary of scams or help seniors with technology like how to write an email, how to do their taxes or create a budget.” Veillette told the Journal.
Due to a limited budget, not all proposed initiatives will receive financial assistance. Veillette assumes activities that require seniors to leave their home daily and those catered to English-speaking communities of the Pontiac are more likely to be approved. Linguistic minorities struggle more with isolation, increasing their need for community. The same applies to people with reduced mobility or with a handicap. “Facilities [are needed] for people with disabilities and reduced mobility, so municipalities can think about that too,” he said adding residents should refrain from pitching activities already offered through non-profits or municipal funding.
Pontiac residents who submit an application may also potentially be signing up to oversee, organize and run the activity for seniors. Online applications can be filed through the Canada.ca website until September 14. Veillette can be reached at 819-983-1745 or nveillette@urlso.qc.ca for more information on funding applications.
