LLOYDMINSTER, Alberta — Seniors living in Lloydminster can anticipate new opportunities to participate in and contribute to their communities thanks in part to Government of Canada funding for Pioneer Lodge’s local project.

Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors).

“The Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of seniors, and is proud to support local organizations with the same goal,” said Leon Benoit. “This project will encourage seniors at Pioneer Lodge to contribute their skills, knowledge and experience for the benefit of the entire community.”

“Today’s seniors know the importance of being active and staying involved in their communities,” said Minister Finley. “The New Horizons for Seniors Program is just one example of how we are helping seniors make a positive difference in their own lives and in those of the people around them.”

Leon Benoit made the announcement at Pioneer Lodge in Lloydminster, which received $10,100 in funding for its project entitled “Passing of Knowledge”. The project will establish six on site computer stations that lodge residents and local students will work on together.  Students from local high schools, working alongside seniors of Pioneer Lodge, will complete a school assignment based on research of history.  Lodge residents will also be encouraged to use the new computer stations to do their own research and to communicate with distant family and friends.  “This is a terrific program for which the Pioneer Lodge staff deserves a lot of credit,” noted Benoit.

This project was one of 797 projects that received a total of $15.9 million  in funding through the 2010-2011 Community Participation and Leadership component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program. These projects encourage seniors to continue to play an important role in their communities by helping those in need, providing leadership, and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.

Through Budget 2010, the Government invested an additional $5 million per year in the Program, bringing this year’s funding to $40 million. This additional funding will support projects that encourage seniors to volunteer and mentor other generations, as well as initiatives that aim to increase awareness of financial abuse.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps to ensure that seniors are able to benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities through their social participation and active living. Since its beginning, the Program has funded over 7 000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. Last year alone, more than 100,000 seniors in over 500 communities throughout the country were involved in projects funded by the Program.