GrandPals History

The GrandPals Program has grown from a single classroom experiment to a nationally recognized intergenerational model. Here’s a look at how it all began — and where we’re headed.

2010

The Beginning

GrandPals began in 2010 at Montgomery Village Public School in Orangeville, Ontario. A group of teachers, focused on character education, brought their students to a nearby retirement residence for weekly visits. These early sessions emphasized empathy, reflection, and community service. Students wrote weekly reflections and gifted their GrandPals with these writings at the end of the program.

2011-2016

Storytelling Takes Root

The program evolved from simple visits to a curriculum-rich experience rooted in storytelling. Teachers helped students explore "big ideas," develop key vocabulary, and reflect more deeply. Students authored storybooks based on their GrandPals’ lives, integrating literacy, oral communication, and visual arts.

2017

National Recognition

GrandPals received the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. This national recognition affirmed the value of the program’s unique blend of experiential learning and storytelling.

Read the Article

2018-2021

Local Expansion & Deeper Learning

The program expanded to more classrooms and local retirement residences. The curriculum was further refined to include core language arts expectations — reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy — while building empathy and social awareness in students.

2022-2025

National Growth with CSAH

In partnershijp with the Centre for Studies in Aging and Health (CSAH) and with funding from the Waltons Trust, the GrandPals program scaled nationally. It was piloted in over a dozen communities across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland. This phase focused on documenting best practices, developing shared tools, and preparing for national implementation.

2025 and Beyond

GrandPals Network Inc.

With the learnings from the national pilot, the program transitioned to a more scalable model supported by GrandPals Network Inc., a social enterprise that combines technology, training, and community support. This new phase includes:

A digital platform that simplifies coordination.
Local community pages to support onboarding and implementation.
Flexible options for piloting or full-scale use.

Explore the Vision

The story of GrandPals continues — powered by communities, shaped by experience, and rooted in the belief that every person has a story to share.