Kids connect with seniors through GrandPals school program

The GrandPals program pairs Grade 5–6 students with adults aged 55-plus for eight weekly one-hour sessions in Beachburg and Cobden, and was introduced to the Whitewater Region in spring 2025.

Some students at Beachburg Public School and Cobden and District Public School have been paired with older adults through the GrandPals program. The program typically matches Grade 5–6 students with adults aged 55 and older for eight weekly one-hour sessions where participants share life stories and sometimes bring photos or objects to illustrate those stories. GrandPals began in Orangeville in 2010 and was introduced to the Township of Whitewater Region in spring 2025 through local volunteers and Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living. Teachers and seniors received orientation or training to prepare for the sessions and students wrote weekly reflections during the visits. Key details: - GrandPals connects Grade 5–6 students with adults aged 55-plus for eight one-hour weekly sessions. - The program originated in Orangeville in 2010 at Montgomery Village Public School. - GrandPals was introduced to the Whitewater Region in spring 2025 by volunteer Bonny Johnson and Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living. - Beachburg teacher Kaylie Graham and Cobden teacher Emily Hoelke were involved in bringing the program to their classes. - Seniors received orientation and teachers prepared students; students created weekly written reflections that were shared with their GrandPals at the end of the series. - Each series concluded with a closing "gala" where parents and other adults could view projects that reflected the stories shared. Summary: The program is described as building empathy, intergenerational connections and new volunteer energy in the participating communities. Undetermined at this time.