By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

The Multicultural Association of Orléans will soon be broadening its horizons after receiving $25,000 from the federal government to launch a new seniors program aimed at bringing seniors and young people together through mentorship.

The money comes by way of the Community Participation and Leadeship component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program which falls under the Ministry of Human Resources and Skills Development.

The funds will be used to help pay for a number of activities including an after school reading program that will partner seniors with elementary school children, a computer technology class for seniors taught by university students and community volunteers and a movie on the history of Orléans to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the east end community.

Ottawa-Orléans MP Royal Galipeau handed over a cheque for $24,452 to Association president Qamar Masood during a presentation ceremony at the Orléans Client Service Centre on Friday attending by several prominent members of the local multicultural community and a handful of seniors.

The Multicultural Association of Orléans was formed three years ago under the leadership of Orléans Ward city councillor Bob Monette. Although Monette is no longer directly involved in the association, he couldn’t be more proud of the expanded role the group has taken on in the community.

“We’ve come a very long way since the MAO was first started in 2006. Since then I’ve stepped back and let people like Qamar take ownership of it. It’s amazing what they’ve been able to accomplish in such a short period of time,” said Monette.

In presenting the Multicultural Association with the cheque, Galipeau pointed out the importance of the program the association is about to embark upon.

“The objectives of mentorship and creating intergenerational links are very important in strengthening the very fabric of this community,” said Galipeau. “The Seniors Community Project will bring seniors and youth together through various activities and foster relationships through learning and mentorship that will make a positive difference in our community.”

For his part, Qamar Masood said the Seniors Community Project is just the start of many good things to come.

“If we join hands and make one voice we can make a difference. We have a very good team here in Orléans and we always work together toward one common goal which is to help out our community,” said Masood. “Right now we’re helping out the seniors, but our goal is to create a type of one stop shopping that will bring seniors together with youth and other members of the community.”

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