The Power of Intergenerational Connections

est. 1994

What Intergenerational connection means
during a pandemic

2020

St. Gregory students distance visiting senior friends at Carewest George Boyack

June 1, 2020 marked Canada's 10th Intergenerational Day (IG Day)!

Each year on June 1, LINKages promotes Canada-wide Intergenerational Day – a celebration of the mutual benefits of building relationships across generations.

We called Canadians of all generations to help us build a virtual quilt! Using creativity, submissions sent to us helped us answer the question:

“What do intergenerational friendships mean to you?”

A compilation of these submissions came together to build the Virtual Quilt displayed here. To view the quilt’s photos and quotes more closely, click on the image to do so! This quilt illustrates we are a diverse country who is stronger together.

Thank you to everyone who participated in bringing this together. Stay tuned for the quilt’s reveal on June 1!

LINKages Society & COVID-19

Following provincial recommendations, LINKages’ staff have been working from home and have ceased in-person formal programming until further notice. Though we know these have been difficult days and weeks for our city and world, we have been encouraged by the efforts of students to reach out to their senior friends via technology and letter-writing. We are also learning new and innovative ways to connect to our communities and each other. Social connection and inclusion without ignoring physical distancing parameters are needed now more than ever. LINKages is continuing to partner with other organizations to encourage support where it is most needed throughout the pandemic Please check out these incredible organizations and websites to stay informed and involved.

RESOURCES

For up-to-date information on prevention, best practices, and statistics, visit Alberta Health Services.

If you are needing someone to talk with during this challenging time, contact the Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-4357 (24/7 support available).

For supportive documents related to connecting with loved ones through technology or activities for the family, visit Intercare Corporate Group to access helpful material.

To support Calgary’s seniors, fast-track through the volunteer application process, visit the Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society.

For grief and emotional support during a pandemic, see leading grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s timely articles available through McInnis & Holloway.

Feature Story

Betty Good - Care Centre/School Programs Coordinator

One of our Care Centre/School Program Coordinators, Betty, shares how she has been learning to connect meaningfully with her grandkids during COVID-19:⁣

⁣How are you growing and learning to connect in different ways within your community these days? Feel free to share your ideas!⁣ Consider submitting your #intergenerational connection to our nation-wide Virtual Quilt – see post above.

Intergenerational Mentoring

Best Practices for Intergenerational Mentoring: A Conversation with LINKages

This summer, LINKages had the opportunity to partner with Alberta Mentoring Partnership. As the global ageing population continues to grow, the need for increased intergenerational engagement and community will also continue to grow. How can you support your youth and senior mentors to share their gifts and experiences across generations?

LINKages in Action

LINKages’ Staff Shares How She’s Connecting with Her Grandkids During COVID-19

May 20, 2020

🙌 One of our Care Centre/School Program Coordinators, Betty, shares how she has been learning to connect meaningfully with her grandkids during COVID-19:⁣ ⁣ “Since COVID-19 …

#UNIGNORABLE

September 5, 2019

LINKages had the privilege of walking alongside numerous agencies and corporations who are part of United Way Calgary and Area’s #UNIGNORABLE walk downtown Calgary on …

Intergenerational School Program Facilitators

May 23, 2019

Over the last 2018-2019 IG School Program term, LINKages witnessed seniors, youth, and new volunteer facilitators come on board to help strengthen communities through bridging …

"LINKages gives me a sense of purpose. I am so grateful for the program. It helps me feel like I belong."

"I lived with my grandmother until I was 12, and then I moved to Canada. I don't see her anymore. My senior friend is like my grandmother; she is my mentor."

"LINKages gives me a purpose for living. These are my girls; I look forward to seeing them every week. The girls are like my granddaughters."