Community Care Peterborough is once again encouraging local children to share stories about a special older person in their lives — a grandparent, Elder, or senior they admire — and nominate them as “Grandparent of the Year.”
The organization has announced the launch of the 37th instalment of the annual program, with nominations open until May 6.
Grandparent of the Year was first introduced by Anne Innis, a former volunteer and board member with Community Care, to bring different generations together and celebrate the influence they have on each other.
“Our biggest hope is that we receive an overwhelming number of submissions,” Chris LeBlanc, donors and public relations director for Community Care Peterborough, told kawarthaNOW. “This would mean that the stories of so many are being told and that families are connecting through the generations.”
Community Care Peterborough, in partnership with title sponsor Gardens Retirement Living in Peterborough, invites kids to consider honouring the seniors in their lives.
“For 37 years, this cherished program has encouraged children to celebrate the wisdom, kindness, and influence of a grandparent, Elder, or special older person in their lives,” noted a media release.
Students in grades 1 through 6 throughout the city and county of Peterborough can participate by submitting a short written piece in either English or French about their favourite older person, along with a hand-drawn picture.
Last year, Community Care expanded the program to also accept nominations from students in the first grade and received almost 200 nominations, including several dozen submitted in French.
“The Grandparent of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to connect generations and affirm the dignity, wisdom, and value of seniors in our community — many of whom are clients or volunteers with Community Care Peterborough,” LeBlanc noted.
“The stories we receive each year are a powerful reminder of the impact older adults have on young people, and we encourage all eligible students to take part.”
Nomination packages have already been distributed to schools throughout Peterborough County, where teachers may use the contest as a writing assignment for their students to practise their English or French language skills.
Packages are also available for the general public to download at www.commcareptbo.org/grandparentoftheyear.
Submissions will be accepted in both English and French, and a winner and an honourable mention will be selected in each language in two categories — “Primary” (grades 1 to 3) and “Junior” (grades 4 to 6) — for eight awards altogether.
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, May 6. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on June 4 at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence at 1160 Clonsilla Ave. in Peterborough.
For more information about the Grandparent of the Year program, reach out to Pamela Beauchamp at Community Care Peterborough by calling 705-742-7067 ext. 221 or emailing pbeauchamp@commcareptbo.org.
Community Care Peterborough provides programs and services to support the health and well-being of seniors and adults living with disabilities in the city and county of Peterborough. Through programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation services, wellness initiatives, and friendly visiting, the non-profit organization aims to empower people to live independently in their own homes while remaining engaged in their communities.
