NEWS RELEASE
AGE-FRIENDLY ORILLIA
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Age-Friendly Orillia (AFO) is proud to announce the winners of its first Age-Friendly Certificates of Appreciation, recognizing local businesses and organizations that have made a significant impact in creating a welcoming and inclusive community for older adults.
The inaugural honourees are Manticore Books, Orillia Lawn Bowling, OrilliaMatters, the Orillia Museum of Art & History, and Seniors at Play (City of Orillia Recreation Services). Awards were presented at the Aging Well Expo hosted by Lakehead University on Oct. 16.
As Orillia’s population of older adults is projected to make up 40 per cent of the community by 2040, AFO is committed to celebrating and supporting the vital contributions that enhance the lives of this growing demographic. The Age-Friendly Certificates of Appreciation highlight those who have gone above and beyond to ensure their spaces and services are accessible, customer-friendly, and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.
This year's recipients represent a diverse range of services that enrich the lives of older adults in Orillia:
● Manticore Books: A beloved local bookstore that fosters a warm, welcoming environment for all readers, providing an accessible space for learning, connection, and cultural engagement.
● Orillia Lawn Bowling: A longstanding recreational activity that offers social opportunities and promotes physical activity for all ages, with a special emphasis on community and inclusivity for older adults.
● OrilliaMatters: A trusted local news source that keeps the community informed and engaged, with a focus on issues relevant to older adults, ensuring that they remain connected to the happenings of Orillia.
● Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH): A vibrant hub of culture and learning, OMAH makes arts and history accessible to older adults through inclusive programming and community outreach.
● Seniors at Play: An initiative to provide older adults in Orillia and surrounding areas with age friendly recreation programs; preventing social isolation by promoting physical activity and encouraging social engagement.
“These awards are a testament to the businesses and organizations that make Orillia a vibrant and welcoming community for older adults,” said Louise Cohen, Co-Chair of Age-Friendly Orillia.
“By ensuring that their services are inclusive, accessible, and engaging for all, these organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for the older adult population.”
We also pay tribute to the following businesses/organizations who received nominations: Adult Diabetes Education Centre, All Canadian Taxi, Couchiching Family Health Team, Helping Hands, Information Orillia, National Nutrition, Orillia Public Library, Orillia Seniors Centre, Shoppers Drug Mart (Front St), VON Life Enrichment Program and Wilkie’s Bakery.
The AFO looks forward to continuing this initiative in the years to come, as Orillia continues to grow as an age-friendly community. Residents are encouraged to stay involved by nominating future candidates for the Age-Friendly Certificates of Appreciation, recognizing those who contribute to making Orillia a better place for everyone, regardless of age or ability. For more information on Age-Friendly Orillia or to nominate a business or organization for next year’s awards, please visit https://agefriendlyorillia.ca/ or contact [email protected].
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