More money expected for seniors' services in Steinbach thanks to big announcement last week

An increase in funding for Manitoba seniors is expected to have a positive impact on the Pat Porter Active Living Centre in Steinbach. 

Executive Director Audrey Harder says the centre provides a variety of support programs and many of them were included in the announcement last week by the Manitoba government. 

The province is committing $4.5 million in additional investments in six unique programs that offer high-quality services and foster safe, inclusive and accessible communities. 

Just how much of that will find its way to Steinbach, Harder says she has not received those details. 

“It looks like we're going to be getting an increase,” she says. “I don't know what that looks like yet. I don't know if you remember, but a few years back we got a decrease in a bunch of our programming, but it sounds like we're going to get an increase that will make up for that and hopefully a little bit more.” 

The Manitoba government is investing $600,000 in 2022-23 to support the production and distribution of 200,000 Emergency Response Information Kitt (E.R.I.K.) packages. Completed packages are placed on the fridge door, providing a readily available source of essential health-care information that first responders can access in an emergency. 

E.R.I.K. packages have been available for many years at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, free of charge. Harder says they give out hundreds of them each year. 

“You fill out your information, your medication, you put lists of your doctors, who to call if there's any issues, all of that information is in there,” she explains. “There's a little red sticker in that package and you put that little red sticker on your door. And anytime an emergency personnel comes to your door, let's say something happens where you're unconscious, they can grab that kit and find out everything they need to know to keep you safe.” 

These information packages are kept on the front or side of the fridge, making it easy to find in any home. 

“It saves lives,” Harder notes. 

She says people will frequently offer a donation when they pick up E.R.I.K. packages, which is helpful with covering some of the costs. 

“We’ve had some really good community support,” Harder adds. “People will donate when they get a Kitt, but in the end, it really doesn't quite make up for the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds we give out every year. We're excited to have a little more financial support with that so we can make sure that they're ready and they're good to go, and we're able to provide that for anybody who needs it.” 

Harder looks forward to getting more details on how the funding will impact the Pat Porter Active Living Centre.