Community partners of Northern Health have been awarded 2014 IMAGINE Legacy Grants in the amount of $149,190.90.
The 42 recipients span the northern interior of B.C. and the focus is to improve health and well-being.
"The upcoming 2015 Canada Winter Games will provide a chance to cheer on athletes as well as to be inspired to live more active and healthier lifestyles," said Terry Lake, health minister. "The Legacy Grants reflect a commitment to supporting the long term health of British Columbians and will help communities build on the spirit of the games as they work to achieve the goal of healthy populations."
The legacy grants provide a sustainable legacy that funds a variety of programs, including in Burns Lake the Southside Health & Wellness Center Community Gardening and Greenhouse Group; in Fort Fraser, the Nadleh Whut'en Push, Pull or Drag an Elder program; and in Fort St. James Peer Support Group, Wellness Community Garden.
The Kwadacha Nation hosts Kwadacha Health and Wellness Group for Cardiac & Cerebrovascular Services/HEAL for Your Heart, in McLeod Lake the McLeod Lake Indian Band presents Harm Reduction through Cultural Revitalization, while in Prince George, BC Wheelchair Basketball Society hosts Wheelchair Basketball Integrated Schools Program and the Aboriginal Business & Community Development Centre presents Healthy Eating on a Budget/Staying Fit on a Budget.
In Quesnel the Cariboo Ski Touring Club will present Youth Nordic Ski Camp and a Seniors' Health Screening and in Tsay Keh, the Tsay Keh Dene will present Fit and Well After Care.
In Valemount the Canoe Valley Community Association will present Active Living Kids and in Vanderhoof the District of Vanderhoof hosts the Vanderhoof Seniors' Fitness Project.
Some examples of the work that will be presented include promotion of healthy lifestyles and raising awareness of risk factors, while others bring communities together in community kitchens, gardens, or building culture through education.
"The 2015 Canada Winter Games are fostering an exciting opportunity to promote the importance of physical activity, not only in sport, but in health and well-being," said Kelsey Yarmish, Regional Manager, Population Health. "We know that health happens in the community so to combine the excitement of the Games with our IMAGINE grants is a really great opportunity for us."
More information on IMAGINE Grants can be found at www.northernhealth.ca, IMAGINE Grants and www.healbc.ca.
