In the spirit of the winter games, Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake have been awarded a lasting legacy to promote healthier living.
Each year Northern Health awards IMAGINE grants to northern communities. This year the announcement was made for their 2013-2014 recipients during the Illuminate The North events across the region.
Tracee Dunn, manager of acute and community care at St. John’s Hospital and Stuart Nechako Manor, said this year’s grant focuses special attention to projects that increase physical activity. “Northern Health has been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leverage the positive impact of the upcoming 2015 Canada Winter Games and promote a sustainable legacy of increased health and wellness for our northern communities and populations that will last well beyond the two week event,” Ms. Dunn said at the Vanderhoof ceremony.
“Northern Health is excited to be part of the upcoming winter games and torch relay celebrations taking place throughout the region.”
The Vanderhoof Seniors Fitness Project has been allocated $2,500 through the District of Vanderhoof to purchase equipment for the goal of enhancing health outcomes of the senior population in Vanderhoof.
The Men’s Shed Facilities Project has been awarded $8,000 through the Nechako Valley Historical Society to establish a facility that will support a space for men encouraging both physical and mental well-being along with community togetherness.
The Village of Fraser Lake was given $5,000 for their Cross Country Ski for Health and Wellness project. The money will help purchase trail setting equipment to ensure proper maintenance of the trails and promote usage for years to come.
The Fort St. James Peer Support group was awarded funding for their Wellness Community Garden project to engage community members in growing their personal confidence with a mission to erase the stigma on mental health.
Fort Fraser’s Nadleh Whut’en was also awarded funding for their Push, Pull or Drag an Elder project.
Overall, 42 IMAGINE grants totalling $149,190 were given throughout the northern interior. Communities include Fraser Lake, Granisle, Kwadacha, McBride, McLeod Lake, Prince George, Quesnel, Tsay Keh Dene, Valmont, Vanderhoof and Wells.