THUNDER BAY – “Ontario is helping people of all ages and abilities in Northwestern Ontario improve and maintain their most valuable asset – their health,” states Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro.
Through the Healthy Communities Fund, the province helps local community partners deliver programs that promote physical activity, sport and recreation, healthy eating, injury prevention, tobacco control and mental health, as well as programs that address alcohol and substance abuse.
In Northwestern Ontario, the province is helping six organizations deliver local, innovative health promotion programs in 2010/11.
The local organizations receiving funding are:
•Brass Bell Family Resource Centre, Dorion ($144,769)
•The Children’s Centre Thunder Bay ($135,200)
•Faye Peterson Transition House ($27,300)
•Little Lions Waldorf Daycare & Kindergarten ($16,710)
•Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre ($32,300)
•Nishnawbe Aski Nation ($120,000)
Across the province, more than 500,000 Ontarians are expected to benefit from the support provided by the Healthy Communities Fund this year.
“I am delighted that these local organizations are receiving such significant support from our government through the Ministry of Health Promotion. From programs which support healthy eating to supporting physical activity and active lifestyles, this funding will make a real difference to the health and well-being of the people of Northwestern Ontario,” shares Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North.
“The Healthy Communities Fund continues to work towards creating a culture of healthy living in Ontario. I am very pleased that the organizations in Thunder Bay-Atikokan continue to benefit from this funding,” adds Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy is applauding today’s announcement by the Ontario Ministry of Health to provide funding for NAN’s Girl Power Wolf Spirit Warrior Program.“The Girl Power Wolf Spirit Warrior Program plays an essential role in helping to develop life skills among our youth,” said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. “Many challenges face NAN young people such as the suicide rate which is seven times the national average and the high number of children in foster care – both of which are directly related to the 60’s scoop and the residential school era. This program helps to increase self-esteem, foster healthy relationships, enhance leadership and promote overall healthier lifestyle choices. I’m pleased that government has recognized its importance.”
“The Healthy Communities Fund has been key to the success of WE-CAN – a wellness and exercise program for individuals with cancer. The support of the HCF means that participants who are in treatment or post-treatment benefit both mentally and physically. They find their ability to maintain healthy lifestyles is greatly enhanced by incorporating wellness and exercise as part of their cancer journey,” adds Kelly-Jo Pfaff, Cancer Education Coordinator, Preventive Oncology Regional Cancer Care, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
QUICK FACTS
- The Healthy Communities Fund grant program supports local health promotion efforts of eligible organizations such as not-for-profit groups, municipalities and Aboriginal and First Nations organizations.
- Of the 197 organizations in Ontario receiving funding in 2010/11, 21 are provincial organizations that will implement projects benefiting communities across Ontario.
Since 2009, the Healthy Communities Fund has provided more than $21.9 million to 369 organizations across the province.