The tourist-themed, end-of-year celebration BBQ for the GrandPals program was held on June 1 at the Sylvan Lake Community Centre.
GrandPals a program that originally started during the pandemic partners seniors with students in order to form inter-generational connections, FCSS service supervisor Krista Carlson said.
“During the pandemic we saw many seniors who were feeling very isolated and many youth feeling the same way and wanted to make a way for them to connect which led to the creation of the pen pals GrandPals program.”
Post pandemic the team wanted to carry on the great success seen in the program with the seniors and youths exchanging letters, crafts and notes, Carlson said.
“They shared things that are valuable to them, and important to them. Family traditions, recipes and more.”
Each year the program partners a classroom of between 25 and 35 students with the same amount of seniors.
“This year we have a Grade 6 class from C.P. Blakely school so there is about 26 students in that class and then we have 26 seniors as well,” Carlson said.
READ MORE: HJ Cody High School will be hosting an art gala
When Grade 6 teacher Terra Clements first introduced the program her students were unsure but later grew to love the program.
“At the beginning of the year when I introduced the program I had a couple of students that were a little bit reluctant and not sure if they wanted to participate but now they love it, they all just love the program and it was so great to see that,” Clements said.
Participating in this program was excellent, student Anasagi Armitaeg said.
“I learned through this program that everyone could be fun no matter the age. This program is important because it is a nice way for kids and adults to make friends and although it wasn’t a decision to be part of it if it was it would have been one of the best ones I ever made.”
The interaction between the children and the seniors was great to see, Mayor Megan Hanson said.
“This was so fun, it was so neat to see older seniors and young kids come and get together to have this celebration after working together for so many months. It’s a really good opportunity to have connection and share stories and it was fun to see everyone having a good time.”
The turnout for the event and the outcome for the program couldn’t have been better, seniors GrandPals co-ordinator Sarah Newman said.
“Throughout this program the seniors and students really get to learn a lot about each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
@sarahbaker
sarah.baker@blackpress.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.