Shannex Cares: Celebrating Community Spirit Grant Recipients

Shannex Cares is proud to announce another round of Shannex Cares Community Spirit Grant recipients. Since its launch, this community giving program has supported 40 organizations and provided valuable insight into the needs of older adults across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. 

Nine additional organizations were selected to receive a Community Spirit Grant supporting their efforts in promoting wellness, active living, and social connections for older adults. Here’s a look at the organizations and the important work they’re doing: 

New Brunswick

• Just Friends Food Bank Inc. supports nutrition for older adults by delivering wholesome, diet-specific meals and expanding soup and nutrition programs to reach older adults in need. 

• Capital Region Mental Health & Addictions Association creates safe, inclusive spaces for older adults to connect, build skills, and access mental health resources through tailored programs and activities. 

• The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick provides education, advocacy, and caregiver support to reduce the impact of dementia, with expanded networks for English and French-speaking caregivers. 

• Open Sky Cooperative Ltd. connects older adults with neurodivergent young adults in a shared community space, fostering intergenerational friendships, reducing isolation, and strengthening community belonging through mutual support.

Nova Scotia

• Mocean Dance promotes physical and mental wellness for older adults through accessible dance and movement programs that reduce isolation and encourage social connection. 

• Spay Day HRM Society enhances the wellbeing of older adults by supporting pet companionship through cat visits, rehoming assistance, and spay/neuter services for low-income individuals. 

Ontario

• YWCA Hamilton’s Seniors Social Clubs are peer-led, low-barrier activities that reduce isolation and improve mental wellbeing among older adults through programs focused on connection, cognition, and creativity. 

• Durham Children’s Aid Foundation supports families in the child welfare system, helping older caregivers, often grandparents or kin, to reduce financial strain and access practical support to provide stable, nurturing homes for children.

• InsightHeart Foundation fosters intergenerational connections and reduces isolation through Coffee Hour, where older adults and neurodivergent youth share community and friendship. 

We are inspired by the dedication of these organizations and the incredible impact they have on their communities. To learn more about Shannex Cares, click here.