Jun 8, 2022
OTTAWA, Ont. June 8, 2022 — As the COVID-19 pandemic has increased social isolation among many older Canadians, organizations that serve seniors are more important than ever.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) has received funding in part from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The funds will be used to create a conservation garden at Olde Forge Community Resource Centre in Ottawa.
The goal of the federal grants and contributions program is to support projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster social inclusion and engagement in their communities.
“Organizations that serve seniors are essential to foster inclusion and engagement. This is particularly important, as we’ve seen an increase in social isolation among seniors since the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why, as the Minister of Seniors, I couldn’t be more proud to support The Canadian Wildlife Federation as they work on creating a conservation garden at Olde Forge Community Resource Centre. This project will help seniors be more engaged in their communities, allowing them to form healthy social connections,” said Kamal Khera, Canada’s Minister of Seniors.
CWF’s WILD Outside program will help plan and plant the garden with seniors and adults with physical disabilities living in the west end of Ottawa. WILD Outside is a national conservation-based youth leadership program designed for youth ages 15 to 18.
“Thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Canadian Wildlife Federation will make a significant difference in the lives of seniors in our community,” said Eneze Baye-Imerion, CWF education manager. “The aim is to have a functional garden, a place of relaxation for seniors and community members that attracts pollinators and other wildlife. While the garden will provide the necessities for wildlife, it will serve as a place of comfort, rest and social connections.”
The intergenerational mentoring project launched in April with workshop and planting sessions in May. A community celebration is planned for June 30.
“This intergenerational project provided the perfect opportunity to launch an active gardening program for seniors in the Olde Forge community,” said Azra Temple, recreation manager, The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre. “CWF youth volunteers and Olde Forge seniors collaborating and working side by side: planning the garden, sharing knowledge as well as their skills, motivating and supporting each other. The benefits of this project extend beyond creating the garden. It engages participants in physical and mental activity and building friendships thus benefiting their overall wellbeing and reducing the risk of social isolation. Seniors and youth will have a safe outdoor space to gather and contribute to their community as well as an eco-friendly garden to be proud of.”
For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca/WildGenerations.
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, carrying out research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
About the Olde Forge Community Resource Centre:
The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre is a non-profit, charitable organization run by staff and a dedicated corps of volunteers. Located at the junction of Carling Avenue and Richmond Road in a heritage log building, the Olde Forge provides an information and referral service to the community at large and community support programs to seniors and adults with physical disabilities living in the west end of Ottawa. For more information, visit OldForge.ca
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Contacts:
Azra Temple, Recreation Manager, The Olde Forge Community Resource Centre 613-829-9777 ext. 228, a.temple@oldeforge.ca
Eneze Baye-Imerion, Education Manager, Canadian Wildlife Federation, 613.599.9594 x 277, EnezeBI@cwf-fcf.org
David DeRocco, Senior Manager: Marketing and Events, Canadian Wildlife Federation 613.599.9594 x 279 905 975-4672, davidd@cwf-fcf.org
Heather Robison, Media and Community Relations Officer, Canadian Wildlife Federation, 613.599.9594 x 212, heatherr@cwf-fcf.org
Related Documents
Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program
Associated Links
Programs and services for seniors
New Horizons for Seniors Program Engaging seniors, strengthening communities
Follow Seniors in Canada on Facebook for the latest information on programs, initiatives and services for seniors, caregivers and their families.
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