Sikh Seniors Society Lands Canadian Federal Grant

RUTLAND, BC, CANADA—Federal Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong was in Rutland Wednesday to present almost $25,000 to the Dr. Gurmeet Singh Randhawa Seniors Society.

The money came from the federal New Horizons for Seniors program and will be used to install a new furnace, heating controls, and flooring as well as a new pool table at the center, located next to the Sikh temple in Rutland.

 Wong said “the society has done a lot to enhance the quality of life for seniors in the area.” This is the third grant in a row for the center, which has received close to $75,000 for a variety of upgrades including bathrooms, a new roof, and other needed renovations.

Wong said the money will provide a safe place for seniors to gather.

“Helping seniors in social isolation is my No. 1 goal,” she said during a brief ceremony in recognition of the funding.

“We want to encourage our seniors to get out of their homes and get involved. Seniors now have a wonderful place to spend their time.”

Wong said by supporting such programs and centers, seniors will be more active.

“Isolation for seniors is a very real concern for any community,” said Nirmal Singh Sahota, society president. “Without this help, the renovations simply would not be possible.”

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