New Seniors Program in Sudbury Receives Big Financial Boost

SUDBURY – Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced an investment of close to $3 million for the Sudbury Women’s Centre’s (SWC) new program to expand opportunities for seniors across the community through the New Horizons for Seniors Pan-Canadian stream.

Last week, SWC launched the ‘WHOLE Seniors’ initiative which will bring together five non-profit organizations to support innovative programming and meaningful volunteer engagements for seniors. Through this program, SWC will provide funding and coordination support to partner agencies, which include Independent Living Resource Centre, Parkside Centre, Spark Employment Services, Thriving African Families, and United Way Centreaid Northeast Ontario.

“Supporting seniors in our community is important for many reasons. When we create opportunities for social inclusion and reliable access to programs and services, we are providing meaningful support that enhances the quality of life for seniors,” said MP Viviane Lapointe. “This investment highlights meaningful partnerships that make a real difference.”

“The WHOLE Seniors Project represents an important step forward for our community. By strengthening collaboration between local agencies, we are building greater capacity to support seniors in meaningful ways,” stated Chantal Makela, CEO SWC. “This program will not only benefit local seniors by reducing isolation but also enhance overall wellbeing and help them remain connected, supported, and thriving.”

Together, all five organizations will work collaboratively to develop programs that move beyond traditional service delivery models, actively engaging seniors as volunteers, mentors, and peer leaders. Each partner organization will recruit and train senior volunteers who will help deliver programs designed to strengthen social connection, emotional well-being, physical health, financial confidence, and leadership skills among older adults.