Students and Seniors Forge Connections Through GrandPals Program

Students at Beachburg Public School (BPS) and Cobden and District Public School (CDPS) are expanding their social circles by engaging with seniors through the GrandPals program. This initiative connects students, typically in grades 5 and 6, with adults aged 55 and older for eight weekly one-hour sessions. Participants share personal life experiences, often accompanied by photos or objects that symbolize significant events in their lives.

Origins and Expansion of the GrandPals Program

The GrandPals program, which began in Orangeville, Ontario, in 2010, was developed by a team of educators at Montgomery Village Public School. They aimed to foster empathy and a service-oriented mindset among students by connecting them with older adults in a retirement residence. These visits included various activities, and students documented their experiences through weekly reflections, which were later presented to the senior participants as a farewell gift.

The program made its way to the Township of Whitewater Region in 2025, thanks to the efforts of Bonny Johnson, a volunteer with Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living. Recognizing the program as a fitting extension of the community’s ethos of neighbors helping neighbors, Johnson collaborated with BPS classroom teacher Kaylie Graham and senior program coordinator Julie Bennett to launch the initiative.

Building on the success at BPS, the committee introduced the program to Emily Hoelke’s class at CDPS last fall. Senior volunteers such as Paul and Ruby McLenaghan, Hubert Corriveau, and others were paired with small groups of students to facilitate meaningful interactions. Before participating, senior volunteers received orientation to understand the program’s objectives and prepare for potential scenarios that might arise during sessions.

Building Intergenerational Bonds

Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living has integrated the GrandPals program into its broader mission of fostering community service and wellness across generations. Julie Bennett noted, “This program brings out volunteers we might not have seen otherwise. People who don’t usually sign up to deliver meals or drive are excited to come into schools and connect with kids. It’s such a natural way to build community.”

Beyond classroom interactions, the GrandPals initiative has energized volunteer efforts, leading to shared meals and community celebrations. The relationships developed through the program often extend beyond the final session. Former educator Cindy Simpson emphasized the mutual benefits of intergenerational connections: “The seniors gain perspective on the families in their community while students learn about the historical context of their lives and the decisions that shaped them.”

As participants reflect on their experiences, many find themselves reassessing what artifacts to share with students, prompting them to revisit their own life stories. “There is nothing more rewarding than meeting one of ‘your’ kids in the grocery store and seeing their face light up,” Simpson remarked. “Intergenerational relationships can only benefit all those involved.”

Bonny Johnson highlighted the uniqueness of each group involved in the program: “GrandPals is such a worthwhile program for seniors and students alike.”

At the conclusion of each GrandPals series, a “gala” is held, inviting parents and significant adults in each participating student’s life to view projects that showcase the stories shared by the seniors. The program continues to evolve, with more information available online at grandpals.app, including a case study and a video of the closing gala on Facebook.

As this initiative flourishes, the ties forged between generations promise to enrich both the students and seniors involved, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s lives and experiences.