April 5, 2016
Today, at an event in our downtown Kingston location, H’art Centre officially launched the “Young at H’art” appeal that will help establish a new program featuring four new arts experiences for seniors with disabilities or age-related functional decline.
The fundraising committee kick-started an effort to raise $75,000 and used the opportunity to recognize early pledges of support. Seniors, board members, and committee members were on hand to recognize donations that have already been pledged.
“It is very exciting to see this kind of support for something so necessary,” said Katherine Porter, Executive Director of H’art Centre. “Disability is often part of aging. Over a third of Canadians aged 65 and older are living with a disability and we are certain that community-based arts groups like H’art Centre have a role to play in helping to ease the increasing challenges that are anticipated with our aging population.”
New dollars will help H’art Centre build partnerships with seniors groups, attract new arts educators who are skilled and passionate in working with this vulnerable senior population, and run a pilot project to start beginning in September to feature classes in visual art, music, theatre, and dance.
“We plan to continue the classes after the pilot phase and make this an ongoing option for seniors with disabilities and their families,” said Porter.
The group is also inviting people with experience in the arts, education, or helping seniors with disabilities to consider volunteering this summer to help prepare for the Young at H’art program launch in the fall.
Those interested in helping can visit H’art Centre’s donation page to learn more.
Read a news article by Michael Lea at the Kingston Whig Standard that shares how this program will enrich the lives of seniors with disabilities in Kingston.