Intergenerational Gardening Blooms at Bruyère Village in Orleans
06/08/2022
OTTAWA, Ont. June 8, 2022 - Today’s seniors are living longer and are more active, but too many still suffer from social isolation.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) has received funding in part from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The funds will be used to create a WILD Generations Gardening Club pairing tenants of Bruyère Village with Grade 8 students at Terry Fox Elementary School, Orleans, Ont.
The goal of the federal grants and contributions program is to support projects that help improve the well-being of seniors and foster social inclusion and engagement in their communities.
“Improving the understanding and connection between seniors and youth is important and valuable for both generations. WILD Generations Gardening Club deciding to pair tenants of Bruyère Village with Grade 8 students at Terry Fox Elementary School, will provide great opportunities for intergenerational relationships, while fostering the social inclusion of seniors in their community. As Canada’s Minister of Seniors, I am proud that the New Horizons for Seniors Program supports this project and I am looking forward to see the positive impact it will have on seniors in Orleans,” said Kamal Khera, Canada’s Minister of Seniors.
The intergenerational mentoring project launched in April with workshops and planting sessions in May.
“I am proud of our project, funded in part by the New Horizons for Seniors Program, said Eneze Baye-Imerion, CWF education manager. “The benefits of engaging seniors and youth in community gardening is rewarding amidst the growing loss of natural habitat, and the effects climate change and invasive species have on our environment.”
Celebrations will connect to Rivers to Oceans Week June 8-14 as well as Pollinator Week June 20-26.
“Thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Canadian Wildlife Federation will make a significant difference in the lives of seniors in our community,” said Denise Rousseau-Pistilli, Executive Director, Bruyère Village. “This will create intergenerational opportunities for shared learning and the new garden will leave a lasting impact at our site for the people who live and are cared for here and for their loved ones to enjoy for years to come.”
For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca/WildGenerations.
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, carrying out research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
About Bruyère:
Through the people it serves, the specialized care it provides and the research it conducts, Bruyère plays a critical role in the Ottawa region’s health care system. It offers a wide range of services in the community, from hospital programs to long term and primary care, and supportive and independent living for seniors and vulnerable populations. In addition, Bruyère is transforming care through strengths in research, education, collaboration, and innovation.
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Contacts:
- Jesse Cressman Dickinson, Director Communication and Community Engagement, Bruyère, jcressmandickinson@bruyere.org, 613-795-8188.
- Eneze Baye–Imerion, Education Manager, Canadian Wildlife Federation, 613.599.9594 x 277, EnezeBI@cwf-fcf.org
- Heather Robison, Media and Community Relations Officer, Canadian Wildlife Federation, 613-599-9594 x 212
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