Federal funds to help seniors mentor to youth through CCS program

Dufferin - Caledon MP David Tilson had lots of recipients on hand Friday when he presented the $25,000 cheque to Caledon Community Services, including volunteers like Laura Iannarelli, Grace Rice, Stan Shabason (CCS board chair) Myra Withers, Monty Laskin (CCS executive director), Samantha Rupcic, Eleanore Smith, Susan Biggs, Holly Keenan, Rose Berezowsky (manager of Chez Thrift and the ReUstore) and Deb Robertson (manager of of volunteers and community relations for CCS).

Dufferin - Caledon MP David Tilson was in the area Friday, bearing money for Caledon Community Services (CCS).

He was representing Human Resources and Social Development Minister Monte Solberg and Secretary of State (Seniors) Marjory LeBreton, as he handed a cheque for $25,000 to representatives of the agency.

The money is part of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), and is aimed at ensuring that seniors in Caledon have the opportunity to take an active leadership role in the community, though a project entitled Seniors Mentoring Adolescents via the Retail Touch (SMART).

"The government of Canada is proud to support seniors in strengthening our communities and building our country," Tilson commented. "These projects will encourage seniors to continue sharing their skills, wisdom and experience to benefit others."

"It is hoped that the valuable lessons learned by youth and the mentoring relationships developed through SMART will provide the community with very visible lessons in intergenerational community capacity building," observed CCS Executive Director Monty Laskin.