Students Forge Connections with Seniors Through GrandPals Program

In Beachburg, Ontario, students from Beachburg Public School (BPS) and Cobden and District Public School (CDPS) are engaging with seniors through the GrandPals program, which pairs children in Grades 5 and 6 with adults aged 55 and older. This initiative involves eight weekly sessions where participants share personal stories, often accompanied by photographs or objects that represent significant moments in their lives.

The GrandPals program originated in 2010 in Orangeville, Ontario. It began when a teacher team at Montgomery Village Public School connected students with older adults residing in a nearby retirement home. During these weekly visits, students participated in various activities with the seniors, fostering empathy and character development. As a parting gift, seniors received a collection of written reflections from the students, summarizing their experiences.

In the spring of 2025, Bonny Johnson, a volunteer with Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living, introduced the GrandPals program to the Township of Whitewater Region. The initiative was seen as a natural extension of community values, promoting the spirit of neighbours supporting neighbours. Classroom teacher Kaylie Graham embraced the project for her students at BPS, collaborating with seniors’ program coordinator Julie Bennett and retired educator Cindy Simpson to build the partnership.

Following the initial success at Beachburg, the program expanded to CDPS, where Emily Hoelke’s class participated in the fall of 2025. Senior volunteers, including Paul and Ruby McLenaghan, Hubert Corriveau, and others, were matched with groups of two to five students. To ensure a smooth experience, seniors received orientation on the program’s objectives, while teachers were trained to help students maximize their learning opportunities.

The integration of GrandPals into the mission of Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living underscores its commitment to bridging generational gaps through community service and wellness. 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.”

The impact of GrandPals extends beyond the classroom, inspiring new volunteer initiatives ranging from shared meals to community celebrations. The relationships established during the program often continue long after the sessions conclude. Cindy Simpson highlighted the mutual benefits of the program, stating, “Seniors gain perspective on the families in their community as they build relationships with children. In turn, students learn about the history and life choices of their GrandPals, gaining valuable insights.”

Johnson emphasized the unique experiences each group brings to the program, saying, “Every group is unique. GrandPals is such a worthwhile program for seniors and students alike.” At the end of each series, a gala is held, inviting parents and significant adults to view projects created by students that illustrate the stories shared by the seniors.

For those interested in learning more about GrandPals, additional information is available online at grandpals.app, including a case study on the program in Whitewater Region and a video of the closing gala at CDPS available on Facebook.

Marie Zettler is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter working out of the Eganville Leader, a program funded by the Government of Canada.