The B.C. Government has announced $100,000 in funding for the Centre for Seniors Information (CSI) BC Interior Society.

Health Minister Adrian Dix made the announcement in Kamloops today, saying it will further improve access to community-based seniors’ services in Kamloops and to help seniors stay engaged, remain independent and age in place.

“Seniors are the hearts of our communities, and it is crucial that they remain independent and socially engaged for as long as possible to help prevent social isolation, which can affect their physical and mental well-being,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“That’s why we are supporting community organizations, including the Centre for Seniors Information BC Interior Society, that are helping to improve the social, physical and nutritional needs of seniors in B.C. This is another step that we are taking to help seniors live more independent and full lives.”

Around 13,000 seniors in Kamloops and the surrounding area will benefit from the funding, according to the province.

The money is expected to give the Centre for Seniors Information BC Interior Society  the resources it needs to continue providing programs and services such as advocacy, education, support, socialization and outreach services.

CSI board member Brad Morse says the timing of the announcement is crucial as the society has been running at a deficit for several years.

“It particularly allows us to sustain a variety of current programs that otherwise would have had to be cut, and sustain staff,” he added. “The sources of revenue for CSI are all important but they have not been able to maintain the same level of services that CSI has been doing for some years now.”

Morse says the society offers many activities and helps seniors with services like fraud prevention, and income tax returns.

The Centre for Seniors Information has been supporting seniors in Kamloops since 1997.