The federal government has allocated $23,300 to Squamish’s "Tea and Learn" program, a local initiative run by Sea to Sky Community Services, as part of a broader effort to support seniors in the region, according to Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Patrick Weiler, who made the funding announcement at an event held at Westwinds Squamish Senior Living on Tuesday.
The Tea and Learn program is one of 14 projects across West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country that received funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). In total, $352,258 has been distributed to support these initiatives, which focus on enhancing the social participation, health, and well-being of seniors.
“These projects are making a meaningful impact from Madeira Park to Whistler and West Vancouver,” said Weiler.
“While Squamish is known as one of the youngest and fastest-growing communities in British Columbia, I understand it also has the fastest-growing senior population in the province.”
The Tea and Learn program aims to engage seniors in educational workshops on topics like financial literacy, while also fostering social connections to combat isolation.
“At Sea to Sky Community Services, we are honoured to receive this funding through the New Horizons for Seniors fund. Our Sea to Sky Seniors Lunch and Tea and Learn programs will greatly benefit from this support, allowing us to continue providing valuable opportunities for social engagement and learning among seniors in our region, the Sea to Sky Corridor,” said Jaye Russell, executive director at Sea to Sky Community Services, in a news release.
“Staying socially connected and preventing social isolation are essential aspects of healthy aging. These events offer seniors the chance to engage with relevant topics such as fall prevention, living with Alzheimer’s, and other important issues. Featuring a variety of guest speakers, including health specialists and local educators, these gatherings foster a more informed and connected senior community. We are grateful for this support, which will have a significant impact on our community."
Tuesday's event also was an opportunity to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Sea to Sky Better at Home program, which helps seniors stay in their homes longer.
Volunteers do things such as housekeeping and grocery shopping.
The federal allocation of funding prioritized projects that supported healthy aging, preventing seniors’ abuse, celebrating diversity, or supporting financial security.
Other recipients, among others, include $25,000 for the Gibsons Public Market for its Empowering Seniors in 2024 project and the North Shore Volunteers For Seniors for its Advanced Life Planning program.
Weiler acknowledged that while none of the 14 funded initiatives are Indigenous-led, there is a broader federal commitment to prioritizing Indigenous applicants and supporting Indigenous-led programming through other channels.
“There’s always a preference for Indigenous applicants when possible, and many other programs are designed to support Indigenous-led initiatives,” said Weiler.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
