Office of Terry Sheehan

Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

News Release

MP Terry Sheehan announces funds in support of Saturday Wellness Market

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON—April 1, 2022)  Today, MP Terry Sheehan and the Grocer 4 Good Ability Development Program are announcing $24,760.00 in funding to support the Saturday Wellness Market as part of the second round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.     Through this Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and ensuring a higher quality of life for people across the country, by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

The Saturday Wellness Market has activated the outdoor space at Grocer 4 Good, and created an opportunity for both patrons and staff to interact in a safe environment. Staffers have been included in developing meal kits that have been given out to patrons at no cost. Organizers determined that ‘wellness’ included food security, social and emotional well-being. Sharing recipes, having a cup of coffee and enjoying a special treat or activity have all been integrated into the Saturday Market initiative

As Canadians continue to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, local governments and community partners across the country are adapting their spaces and services to keep residents safe and healthy, support economic recovery, create jobs, and build vibrant, resilient communities.

In support of that adaptation, the federal government has introduced the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative to provide funding support for projects that allow neighbourhoods that have been hard hit by pandemic isolation to work around covid restrictions, to connect with neighbours and the greater community to keep each other safe and healthy, to support economic recovery, create jobs and build vibrant, resilient communities.

Quotes

“The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is supporting projects across the country that build more inclusive communities and ensure a higher quality of life for Canadians. Investments like the Saturday Wellness Market at the Grocer 4 Good location in Sault Ste. Marie, are vital to strengthening communities and ensuring they are resilient today and for years to come.”

--Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour

“Public spaces are the glue that binds our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected. As some residents of Sault Ste. Marie have faced extraordinary isolation due to COVID-19, the Saturday Wellness Market project supported by the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative has helped our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our friends and neighbours. We consult with our community partners to identify those who would benefit from our Saturday Meal Kits. During the upcoming summer months we will activate outdoor space, creating access to both fresh food and budget-conscious meals that are easy to prepare.”

--Lisa Vezeau-Allen, Founder and President of Grocer 4 Good, Ability Development Program

Quick facts

• The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was created to help communities adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and create safe ways for residents to access services and enjoy the outdoors. The Initiative is designed to fund eligible projects between $5,000 and $250,000 that fall under three main themes: creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options, and digital solutions.

• Community Foundations of Canada was selected through an open call for applications to implement a national project. Together with its partners, including the Canadian Urban Institute, it is working with pan-Canadian networks to manage the funding process and serve the distinct needs of communities across Canada, including equity-seeking groups interested in applying.
• A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.
• Over 650 projects are taking place across the country as part of the Healthy Communities Initiative, including in every province and territory.
• Grocer 4 Good is located at 147 Gore St. Their email address is [email protected]. See www.g4g.ca .

Associated links

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

Infrastructure Canada: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

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Sandra Paul BA, MA, CHRP

Constituency Assistant

Office of MP Terry Sheehan

369 Queen Street East

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

P6A 1Z4

Office landline: 705-941-2901

Call/text: 705-542-8463

[email protected]