NEWS RELEASE
LIVING BETTER WITH PARKINSON'S
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On Friday, MPP Brian Saunderson formally congratulated the team at Living Better with Parkinson’s on the one-year, $88,400 Resilient Communities Fund grant it received from the Ontario government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Joining MPP Saunderson at the event was Carol Bateman, an OTF volunteer. The Resilient Communities Fund grant program was created in 2020 to help non-profit groups and small communities rebuild from the impacts created by the pandemic.
“The much-needed funds will allow the hard-working team at Living Better with Parkinson’s to better serve the community,” says Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson. “Most of us have a family member or friend who has lived or is living with Parkinson’s and know firsthand about the support that’s required.”
Funds from the grant will be used over the coming year to hire additional staff with expertise in the areas of fund development, volunteer recruitment, coaching, training, mentoring, communications and public relations as well. The grant will also help with key administrative costs, purchasing some tech equipment, as well as helping with some workshop costs.
“On behalf of the Living Better with Parkinson’s community in South Georgian Bay, I would like to sincerely thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support” said C. Ian Ross, board of director’s chair. “The funds secured through this grant will help propel Living Better with Parkinson’s to the next level; therefore, offering increased fitness programs, educational workshops, and advocacy events such as the South Georgian Bay Parkinson’s Festival. Receiving this grant reinforces how important it is to actively support people living with PD, family members, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates everyday.”
Securing charitable status in January 2021, Living Better with Parkinson’s is committed to increasing the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers in South Georgian Bay. Promoting daily physical activity, advocacy and education are the primary pillars ensuring that Living Better's mission is achieved.
Over the next decade, 1.5-to-two per cent of the population over 60 years will live with Parkinson’s Disease in North America. That is more than Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and ALS combined. The South Georgian Bay population is growing rapidly, and the demographics are aging as it attracts more residents to the area. In this decade, the number of people with Parkinson’s in the region is expected to double.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, minister of tourism, culture and sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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