The District of Tofino is pleased to announce it has received $25,000 in funding through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The funding will support the continued growth of the District’s SMILE Program (Support Meals Improving Lives of Elders), a community initiative focused on improving social connection, well-being, and quality of life for local seniors aged 55 and older.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program is a federal funding initiative that supports projects that encourage social participation, inclusion, and active living for seniors in communities across Canada.

Each Wednesday, the District hosts the SMILE Social at the Tofino Community Hall, where local seniors gather to share a chef-prepared meal and participate in a variety of activities. Weekly programming may include art workshops, movement and wellness classes, guest speakers, games, music, and peer-led skill sharing. The program regularly welcomes between 15 and 20 participants each week.

The SMILE Program is free and open to all seniors in the community, with no registration required.

For seniors unable to attend in person, the District continues to partner with the Better at Home Program, delivered through the Pacific Rim Hospice Society, to provide soup delivery and friendly visits. Through this collaboration, approximately 10 to 20 seniors receive meals and social support each week.

Funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program will help cover program expenses, including food supplies, honoraria for chefs and presenters, activity materials, and special seasonal events and outings.

With renovations to the Tofino Community Hall kitchen anticipated to be complete in June, the grant will also support the introduction of expanded culinary programming and new food-focused opportunities within the upgraded facility. These additions are expected to create more opportunities for seniors to gather, learn new skills, share meals, and strengthen social connections within the community.

For more information on the SMILE program, visit www.tofino.ca/recreation