Connecting Generations

est. 1994

Hey, Canada! What do Intergenerational Friendships mean to you?

Each year on June 1, LINKages promotes Intergenerational Day – a celebration of the mutual benefits of building relationships across generations. 2020 marks the 10th Anniversary of Intergenerational Day in Canada!

Now more than ever, we need to come together and celebrate – even if we do so virtually! We are calling Canadians of all generations! Please help us build a virtual national quilt! Using your creativity, answer the question:

“What do intergenerational friendships mean to you?”

Send us a high quality email in an attachment of your drawings, photos, inspirational notes, pictures of sculptures, etc to igday2020@gmail.com by Sunday, May 24. Submissions will be compiled into a beautiful national quilt, illustrating we are a diverse and unifed country who is stronger together. The IG Day Quilt will be showcased and celebrated on Intergenerational Day – Monday, June 1, 2020.

**If you want to include your name, please only show your first name to protect your privacy. If you are under 18 years old, please have your mom/dad/guardian write a note giving permission for you to submit, take a picture of the note, and send it along with your art:

By entering MY submission, I hereby give full consent to use THE photo(S), drawing(S) and/or all artwork (I) submit for the Intergenerational Day Canada Quilt to be displayed virtually and/or printed and displayed. I verify that this is my property to offer.

Thank you so much for being a part of this collaboration!

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.

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:⁣

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🌱 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.

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?

B L O G

LINKages in action

"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."