| Location: | Township of Whitewater Region, Cobden, ON K0J 1K0 |
| Lead Organization: | Whitewater Seniors Home Support & Active Living |
| Coordinator: | Bonny Johnson |
| Partners: | Local schools in Cobden and Beachburg, Ontario |
Part of the GrandPals Network in Action
Across Canada, municipalities and community-based organizations are discovering how the GrandPals model can bring generations together through storytelling, mentorship, and connection. Each implementation looks a little different, shaped by local partnerships and strengths, yet all share the same purpose: building bridges between youth and older adults.
The Township of Whitewater Region offers a great example of how a small municipality, through its local seniors’ organization, can coordinate volunteers, collaborate with schools, and cultivate community pride.
Getting Started
When Bonny Johnson first introduced GrandPals to the Township of Whitewater Region, she saw it as a natural extension of the community’s spirit of neighbours helping neighbours. Working alongside Julie Bennett, Coordinator at Whitewater Seniors Home Support & Active Living, and Cindy Simpson, a retired educator and GrandPal volunteer, the team launched its first program in 2023.
That pilot inspired a second program in 2025 with a new classroom partner.
"Every group is unique,” Bonny shared. “The key is to listen, adapt, and meet students where they are. The connections that grow from there are powerful."
A New Classroom, a Fresh Start
This year’s program brought together a lively and diverse group of students eager to share and learn. For the Whitewater volunteers, it was a chance to adjust and grow alongside them.
"The students are curious and enthusiastic. They all want to be heard,” said Cindy. “We’ve found ourselves listening more, simplifying our language, and celebrating small breakthroughs. It’s rewarding in a whole new way.”
By the fourth session, the transformation was visible.
“At first, it was noisy and full of excitement,” Bonny recalled. “But you could feel things shifting. The students were calmer, they were getting to know their GrandPals, and even quieter students began to engage. One girl who hardly looked up before gave a big smile and said, ‘I see you.’ That moment meant everything.”
Community Collaboration
Whitewater Seniors Home Support & Active Living has woven GrandPals into its broader mission of connecting generations through community service and wellness.
“This program brings out volunteers we might not have seen otherwise,” explained Julie. “People who don’t usually sign up to deliver meals or drive are excited to come into schools and connect with kids. It’s such a natural way to build community.”
Beyond the classroom, GrandPals has sparked new volunteer energy, from shared meals to community celebrations. The intergenerational bonds formed in the program continue long after the final session.
Peer-to-Peer Support: Learning from Whitewater
When asked what advice they’d offer a new community, the Whitewater team’s answer was simple: talk to someone who’s done it.
“It’s less intimidating to hear the story from another coordinator than to just read about it,” Julie said. “If a community is thinking about starting, we’d be happy to share what we learned, what worked for us, and what we might do differently next time.”
Whitewater Seniors is now part of a growing network of communities willing to mentor others, a living example of the GrandPals philosophy that learning is meant to be shared.
Key Takeaways for Municipal Implementers
1. Start with relationships
Strong communication between the coordinator, teacher, and volunteers sets the tone for success.
“Had we been able to meet face-to-face early on, it would have made things smoother,” Bonny reflected. “That early relationship-building really matters.”
2. Use flexible tools.
Simple and adaptable materials help each classroom find its rhythm.
“A few quick word prompts and drawing options made all the difference,” said Cindy. “Every student could participate in a way that worked for them.”
3. Celebrate small wins.
Progress often starts quietly, with a moment of connection that shows trust is forming.
“By the fourth session, things felt calmer,” Bonny shared. “One student who had been withdrawn looked up, smiled, and said, ‘I see you.’ That moment meant everything.”
4. Leverage community strengths.
Municipalities can collaborate with existing organizations, such as local seniors’ groups, to reach volunteers and schools.
“People who might not volunteer in traditional ways love the idea of connecting with kids,” said Julie. “It’s such a natural way to build community.”
5. Learn from your peers.
Communities new to GrandPals can benefit from talking with those who have already implemented the program.
“It’s easier to hear the story from another coordinator than to just read about it,” Julie suggested. “We’d be happy to share what we learned.”
Looking Ahead
Next spring, the Whitewater team will return to Beachburg Public School to continue their intergenerational journey. With an established classroom partner and a dedicated group of GrandPals, they plan to support student story projects and celebrate community connections that deepen each week.
About the GrandPals Network
GrandPals is a growing movement of schools, seniors’ organizations, libraries, and municipalities working together to strengthen intergenerational connections across Canada.
Each spotlighted community contributes to a shared learning network, offering insights, resources, and mentorship to others beginning their own journey.
📩 Interested in connecting with the Whitewater team to learn from their experience?
Visit the GrandPals Contact Page to request an introduction through the Network.