Madam Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the new horizons for seniors funding recently announced in my riding of Nickel Belt. In Greater Sudbury, nine projects to support the physical and mental well-being of seniors received funding.
The nearly $300,000 has enabled dozens of organizations like the Coniston Community Garden, Skead Senior Citizens Club, Wanup Quilters, Rayside Balfour Senior Craft Shop, St. Gabriel Villa in Chelmsford and Killarney Lion's Den. These initiatives promote laughter, joy, knowledge and sharing, and these are essential to keeping residents engaged.
Isolation remains a real challenge for seniors during this pandemic. I thank volunteers, caregivers and essential workers collaborating to prioritize the well-being of our aging population. Let us continue to reach out to our loved ones, friends, neighbours and others around us, and remind them that we are there for them.