Shannex Cares – Community Spirit Grant

Examples of projects could include:

• Establishing or strengthening a network or association that serves older adults within their communities in support of our focus areas.
• Developing and improving seniors’ wellness, active living or social connections.
• Creating opportunities for learning, relationship-building, enhanced social connections between generations (intergenerational).
• Providing community services that support the independence of older adults.
• Organizing and promoting conferences or learning forums, especially those that engage residents.
• Developing research, knowledge, tools and resource materials.
• Expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse.
• Training older adult volunteers to become supportive mentors to assist their peers in dealing with issues such as loneliness, grief, and age-related changes.

The Dartmouth Seniors Service Centre provides services which enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of seniors. Our Community Spirit grant will help support their “Did you know” mailout project with the goal of increasing the participation of seniors in their programs which include Meals on Wheels, medical transportation, medical cost assistance, social activities, hobbies, and literacy assistance.

The Sackville Seniors Advisory Council has been in operation in the Lower Sackville area for over 35 years. This drop-in center provides free tea and coffee to seniors with a meeting place for affordable social activities, educational programs and other special events to promote their health and wellbeing. Our Community Spirit grant will allow them to purchase new antimicrobial chairs with arms for their clients to create a more accessible program space for all to enjoy.

Chebucto Links has been serving the West End of Halifax for over 25 years. It provides affordable recreational, social and outreach programs for seniors living independently through in-person and Zoom sessions. Our Community Spirit grant will support online sessions of low impact functional exercise and chair yoga that seniors can access from the comfort of their homes. 

Spencer House is a community drop-in activity center that supports the social participation and inclusion of ageing adults in the community. Our Community Spirit grant will help them continue their Kitchen Club pilot program which provides ageing adults with accessible resources to healthy eating and living, while also promoting social participation and inclusion. 

The Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick exists to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through the provision of support, education, and advocacy and to promote the search for a cause and a cure. They will use our Community Spirit grant to streamline processes and improve the way they manage client follow-ups to ensure optimal delivery of their First Link program.

East Hants Community Learning Association offers free access to education to people of all ages in the region. Our Community Spirit grant will help increase awareness and access to their Community Learning and Community Garden programs targeted at seniors, including technology classes and the delivery of freezer meals to ensure access to healthy, home-cooked meals, and transportation to help reduce social isolation.