Today, many older Manitobans face unique challenges that affect their ability to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Social isolation, limited mobility, and financial insecurity can significantly impact their well-being. These challenges seem to continue growing as our population ages. Seniors are finding themselves stretching the money they receive from their retirement savings, pension, and other government funding.

Non-profit organizations continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the most vulnerable members of our community by offering essential services and innovative programming designed to meet the needs of older adults in Manitoba. They offer essential services and create innovative programs specifically designed to meet the new needs of Manitoba's seniors. But non-profits can't do it alone. They often rely on grants and donations to fund these critical initiatives. The Healthy Community Partnership Grant is one way Victoria Lifeline and Victoria Hospital Foundation are helping ensure Manitoba's seniors have access to the support they deserve. Previous years saw funding from this grant invested in projects like a much-needed food pantry that helped combat food insecurity and investments in senior-focused equipment and technologies.

This year, the collaborative grant by Victoria Lifeline and Victoria Hospital Foundation is awarding $10,405 to six incredible organizations across Manitoba. These grants will help fund essential equipment and develop innovative programs directly impacting seniors' physical, mental, and social well-being.

 

2024 Grant Recipients!

Gladstone Senior Support: Cardio Drumming

Gladstone Senior Support will introduce a weekly Cardio Drumming Program, a low-impact exercise using an exercise ball and drumsticks to promote physical activity and social interaction. The grant will be used to help fund exercise equipment needed for this program.

“This grant will offer a fitness opportunity to encourage older adults in the community to remain active and lead healthy lifestyles while also hopefully meeting new people with the same interests. The socialization aspect is just as important as the fitness.” - April Hill, Director of Services, Gladstone Area Senior Support

West Broadway Community Organization (WBCO): Farm Trips for Seniors

WBCO’s Food Security Program, the Good Food Club, will offer educational and recreational farm trips for low-income seniors. These trips will allow seniors to visit various farms, such as a berry farm, a bison farm, and an apiary, providing valuable socialization and learning opportunities. Online sessions will also be available.

"Thanks to the generous support from Victoria Lifeline/Victoria Hospital Foundation we, at the Good Food Club, are so excited to be able to revive our Farm Trip program this summer. Good Food Club Farm Trips provide fun, social and educational day-outings for inner-city seniors, many who have not been outside city limits for years, or even decades. Dozens of seniors have already signed up to go berry picking in July and are happily counting down the days to their trips!" -Ailene Deller, Director, Good Food Club

The Gardens on Tenth: Chair Exercise Program

The Gardens on Tenth will introduce a Chair Exercise Program that will run twice a week from September to April. This program will provide an accessible exercise option for seniors, supporting their physical health and balance.

“We're so happy to be able to offer this program with the help of your grant. We want to thank Victoria Lifeline for allowing us to offer our exercise program and equipment to our tenants free of charge. We strive to be a facility that tenants can age in place, having exercise programs readily available to them for no charge allows them to stay active, healthy and strengthen their balance.” - Deandra Braun, Activity & Events Coordinator - The Gardens on Tenth

Bethel Place: Exercise Equipment and Storage

Bethel Place will use funding from this grant to replace and diversify its worn-down exercise equipment. Also, they will invest in a shelf storage cart, to help make equipment transition easier from their storage area.

“Having exercise equipment that is easily accessible, provides opportunities for the residents of Bethel Place to stay physically active within the safety and convenience of their own home. As seniors age in place, senior living facilities must be creative in the ways they meet the needs of their residents.” -  Melanie Camara

Woodworth Senior Services: iPads

Woodworth Senior Services will purchase an iPad to help its clients access the internet. Right now, many don’t own computers and rely on devices provided by the program to obtain information, communicate, or print off forms or receipts. They also plan on using the iPad as a tool for their coordinator to take with them when going to client's homes or showing available programs that could be of assistance.

“At present, there is no computer for public use in the WSS office. The two previous computers were removed recently as both could not be updated. The computer has been used by the resource coordinator to assist the seniors or others.” - Karen Anderson, Resource Coordinator, Woodworth Senior Services

Prairie Rose Apartments: Portable Wheelchair

Prairie Rose Apartments will use the funding to pay for a wheelchair that their tenants can use when they or their partners need to be escorted to important medical appointments.

 

Congratulations to the 2024 Healthy Community Partnership Grant Recipients

We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will bring. Stay tuned for updates on each project’s progress and the benefits they bring to our community. Though only these six organizations were chosen to receive funding from our grant, we want to acknowledge and thank all of the organizations that serve our community. You all provide important support for so many Manitobans in need. At Victoria Lifeline and Victoria Hospital Foundation, we will continue to join you in our mission to serve our community better and help those who need it.