Location: Marathon, Ontario
Lead Organization: Peninsula Manor (Supportive Housing Community – North of Superior Healthcare Group)
Program Coordinator: Lorelle Sgro
School Partner: Local elementary classroom
Community Partner: Marathon Public Library
Participants: Older adult residents (GrandPals), students, and school staff
Community Page: Peninsula Manor
Part of the GrandPals Network in Action
Across Canada, communities are adapting the GrandPals model to reflect their local context, relationships, and strengths. In Marathon, Ontario, the program is being coordinated through Peninsula Manor, a supportive housing community where older adults are deeply embedded in the life of the town.
This setting brings a unique dynamic. GrandPals is not simply an extracurricular activity. It aligns with Peninsula Manor’s broader commitment to supporting residents socially, emotionally, and relationally, while also giving students something increasingly rare: sustained, face-to-face conversation with older adults whose stories are real and local.
This year, Marathon is also exploring a creative extension of storytelling—using virtual reality to help bring GrandPal memories to life.
A Strong Start in a Small Town
From the beginning, the program has been well received by both generations.
“It’s been super well received by the GrandPals,” shared coordinator Lorelle Sgro. “They sign up because they have that drive and that want to share their stories and experiences.”
What stood out to Lorelle was how quickly students and staff embraced the program too.
“It’s been really good. It’s been great honestly so far.”
In a small town, relationships have a way of extending beyond the classroom. Lorelle described how GrandPals sometimes run into students around town and continue those connections in everyday life.
“One of our GrandPals goes grocery shopping and runs into the kids, and they’re like ‘Hey, Bingo, good to see you,’ and he'll recognize them from the program right away.”
That kind of ongoing community connection is something Marathon does especially well.
“It’s Real. It’s the Real Person.”
When asked what feels most life-giving so far, Lorelle highlighted something simple but profound: the power of face-to-face conversation.
“It’s something that’s real. It’s the real person. It’s their stories. It’s their experiences.”
In a world where so much is mediated through screens, GrandPals offers students something different: presence, attention, and relationship.
Peninsula Manor: Supportive Housing, Meaningful Living
Peninsula Manor is a supportive housing facility, with a wide range of tenants—from fully independent older adults who are active in the community, to individuals waiting for long-term care.
“That’s the nice thing about our GrandPals,” Lorelle explained. “Within our five GrandPals, we have a variety of tenants helping the program grow.”
For Peninsula Manor, programs like GrandPals are not a “nice add-on.” They align directly with a broader commitment to supporting the whole person.
“We’re committed to daily needs, but we’re also looking at enriching their social, emotional, spiritual—all of those different pieces for overall well-being. GrandPals definitely aligns with that.”
Stories that Surprise People
One of the surprises in GrandPals is how often older adults underestimate the value of their own lived experience.
Lorelle described how some GrandPals assume they do not have much to share because they have lived close to home most of their lives.
“They think they don’t have experiences to share because they haven’t been anywhere, but they do. And they learn that as we go.”
Others have traveled widely and bring a very different set of stories.
The result is a wide mix of perspectives that students can learn from—and a reminder to older adults that their stories carry weight.
Purpose, Joy, and a Breath of Fresh Air
Lorelle described how the program affects older adults in a very tangible way.
“It’s meaningful for them. As we age, our days can become quite predictable, and this brings a renewed sense of purpose to those who participate.”
Even simple details—like leaving a session smiling and laughing—mattered.
“Everyone’s laughing and they’re smiling and they’re so excited. They’re like, ‘I just love it.’ It’s so cool.”
She also described the program as “a breath of fresh air,” especially when life feels heavy.
A Powerful “Family” Conversation
Every GrandPals theme can open meaningful conversation, but Lorelle admitted she was most nervous about the Family theme.
That nervousness turned into one of the most meaningful moments of the program so far.
A GrandPal who had grown up in a difficult family situation was paired with a student who connected deeply with that experience. The GrandPal leaned into the moment with encouragement and honesty.
“Things can be hard, but you’re doing the things,” he told the student.
Afterward, Lorelle and the team debriefed with GrandPals to support them and reflect on how the conversation went.
Moments like this can even bring a sense of closure for older adults as they share their stories in a way that becomes meaningful for someone else.
The Marathon Connection: Schools, Library, and Community
This program has been shaped by strong local relationships.
Peninsula Manor already had a connection with the school, which made it easy to begin. But the program was also sparked by the Marathon Public Library, which initially reached out seeking a support letter for funding.
Lorelle was already preparing a New Horizons for Seniors Program application and offered to include GrandPals as part of it.
“That connection, we wouldn’t have known about it had that not happened.”
The library continues to support the program through practical help, like printing and shared community awareness.
Looking Ahead: Extending Storytelling Through Virtual Reality
One of the most creative elements in Marathon’s program is an upcoming session integrating virtual reality into storytelling.
Lorelle and her team are using Rendever, a system designed specifically for older adults. Staff control the experience from a tablet and send it directly to VR headsets.
The goal is not to use VR as a gimmick—but as an extension of story.
GrandPals can explore places connected to their own memories and share them with students.
“You can drop yourself into Google Maps,” Lorelle explained. “They can go back to the farm, or the street where they grew up, or the place they traveled.”
Even when exact historical versions are not available, the experience sparks conversation.
“This is where the barn used to be. This is where we used to slide down the hill.”
Lorelle also noted something especially meaningful: VR can function as a kind of digital artifact for older adults who no longer have photo albums after downsizing.
“Some of them got rid of their old photo albums before they moved here. This gives them another way to bring something forward.”
A Small Note on Accessibility
Not every older adult is eager to try VR immediately. Some were understandably cautious, especially those concerned about vertigo.
Rendever addresses this with motion warnings and seated experiences. The session can also be mirrored on a TV, allowing participants to engage without wearing a headset.
A Program that Surprises People
When asked what she would say to other communities considering GrandPals, Lorelle came back to one core idea: the results may surprise you.
“I didn’t know a lot about the program at first,” she shared. “But just jumping in and seeing the benefits and impact for the residents, and also for the students, at every visit, is really neat.”
She described teachers popping in simply to witness the program in action.
“They were like, ‘Oh this is just so awesome. I just love this so much.’ They just popped in for a couple minutes.”
When communities try intergenerational programming, it often becomes something people want more of.
Looking Ahead to Celebration
The Marathon program is pacing visits every few weeks and extending the timeline so students have space to prepare thoughtful final projects.
Their celebration is expected later in the spring, with the VR visit acting as one of the “bonus” sessions along the way.
Key Takeaways for Other Communities
1. Take the leap—even if you’re unsure at first.
2. Older adults often underestimate their stories.
3. Technology can support connection—when used thoughtfully.
4. Community partnerships make programs possible.
5. Small communities have unique strengths.
About the GrandPals Network
GrandPals is a growing network of schools, residences, libraries, charities, and community organizations working together to strengthen intergenerational connection across Canada.
Communities like Marathon demonstrate how the model can be adapted within supportive housing settings—while preserving the relational heart of the program.
📩 Interested in exploring GrandPals in your community?
Visit the GrandPals Contact Page to start a conversation with the Network.