Despite its limited budget, the Whistler Mature Action Community’s (MAC) “Making Connections” program has been a bright spot for locals living with dementia and their families since it launched last October.
MAC volunteers hope a major funding boost will yield even more positive impacts for that community moving forward.
The organization recently received a $21,440 grant from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The funding, which MAC announced in June, will support a specialized program aiming to delay cognitive decline in afflicted participants while offering caregivers space to connect with others in similar situations in Whistler.
The grant is among $303,795 in federal funding to be split among 15 community-based projects throughout the West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country riding. Whistler MP Patrick Weiler joined members of MAC’s board of directors in Whistler on Thursday, Aug. 17 to announce the six-figure investment on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Seniors Seamus O’Regan.
“Our seniors have worked hard and contributed so much to our communities; they deserve to age with the best quality of life,” Weiler said in a release. “Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are providing a wide range of opportunities for seniors to participate in meaningful activities that nurture their personal growth and foster community vitality. This in turn helps create more age-friendly and inclusive communities that everyone can enjoy.”
Also among local grant recipients is the Pemberton Valley Men’s Shed Society, which received $25,000 to renovate and revitalize its new space. The organization plans to create a workshop where seniors can work on carpentry projects, mentor others in carpentry, and socialize, according to the release.
“With over $300,000 in funding, the 15 projects announced today will empower seniors across our region to lead healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives,” Weiler added.
Typically featuring 45 minutes of gentle fitness, games and other mentally stimulating activities, followed by socializing over a light lunch, the weekly Whistler Making Connections Dementia-Friendly Program also helps participants “break through the barrier of isolation, form new friendships and have fun in a welcoming environment,” MAC explained in the release. Ultimately, “It should allow people with dementia to remain in their homes longer.”
After a successful pilot in Spring Creek last fall, MAC decided to offer the program on a more permanent basis beginning in January. Since then, Making Connections sessions have taken place at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church each Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The organization has “been thrilled to see the positive changes we have brought to the lives of participants,” Whistler MAC project leader Charalyn Kriz said in the release. “It gives them something to look forward to, an opportunity to have fun, to make new friendships, to form their own support networks.”
Support from Sea to Sky Community Services Better at Home program, Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, Whistler Community Services Society and a roster of senior volunteers has enabled MAC to facilitate the program over the last eight months.
Through grants, the federal New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports community-led projects that empower seniors or help improve that demographic’s health and well-being. Organizations are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in funding. Since 2004, the program has funded more than 30,000 projects across Canada.
In its 2022 budget, the Liberal government pledged to expand the NHSP by an additional $20 million over two years.
“When seniors are more connected, engaged and active members of their communities, everyone benefits,” O’Regan explained in the release. “So, we want to support organizations that build more inclusive communities and give seniors the tools they need to age on their own terms.”
Space in the Making Connections programs is not limited to MAC members, or even Whistler residents. The program is open to anyone in neighbouring communities who is willing to make the drive and pay the “nominal fee” of $5 per person, per session. Enrol at whistlermac.org, or contact Kriz at [email protected] to try a session for free.
