Our Impact
When generations connect, communities thrive.
GrandPals creates meaningful intergenerational connections that benefit both older adults and students. Through structured storytelling, reflection, and weekly in-class interactions, GrandPals has helped:
- Students develop empathy, communication skills, and confidence, while also covering key areas of the language curriculum including oral and visual communication, reading, writing, and visual arts
- Older adults experience purpose, joy, and connection
- Communities foster social inclusion, intergenerational learning, and local engagement
What the Data Shows
In partnership with the Centre for Studies in Aging and Health (CSAH) and with funding from The Waltons Trust, the GrandPals Program has:
- Reached 16+ communities across Canada, including Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Newfoundland, and Quebec.
- Supported hundreds of students and older adults in meaningful weekly connection
- Partnered with charities, schools, libraries, senior residences, and service clubs to bring the program to life
Evaluation results from recent years, based on surveys conducted by the Centre for Studies in Aging and Health (CSAH), show strong outcomes:
- 93% of GrandPals would recommend the program to other older adults
- 9 out of 10 GrandPals reported enjoying their experience
- Participants reported improvements in confidence, empowerment, and perceptions of aging and self
- The program helped foster a deeper sense of connection and belonging, while encouraging mutual respect and intergenerational understanding
A separate study by the University of Guelph (August, 2019) further found that GrandPals participants appreciated:
- Reminiscing about past experiences, changes in society, and wisdom gathered
- Learning from students, including new perspectives and technology
- Building friendships with both students and other older adults
Stories That Stay With You
"I watched our students become more thoughtful, more empathetic, and more expressive. GrandPals didn’t just fit the curriculum. It enriched it."- Grade 6 Teacher
"Being a GrandPal gave me a reason to get out and give back. I was surprised at how much I learned, too."- GrandPal Volunteer
"I never thought I had stories worth telling. Now I feel like I’ve left something behind that matters."- GrandPal Volunteer
"My GrandPal reminded me of my grandfather who passed away. I liked how we got to know each other. I didn’t know adults could be funny like that."- Grade 7 Student
"The GrandPals program has been a great opportunity for my class. It has given the students opportunities to learn so much about the history of Onanole, and other areas of Canada and the world, while also sharing their own personal experiences. The students are always excited to reconnect with the GrandPals during our weekly meetings."- Grade 7 Teacher
"The GrandPals program has exceeded my expectations in every way.- Grade 7 TeacherI am most impressed with one of my students who generally has a negative attitude about school in general. He would always ask about what we were going to be doing and during the first meeting with his GrandPal he was pretty much disengaged and borderline rude.
By the end of the third session, he was begging for more GrandPal time and couldn't believe it was time for recess.
A quote from him: "This is WAY better than doing English Language Arts (ELA) because it's so fun and we actually get to do stuff!"
He still doesn't really believe me that he actually IS doing ELA the whole time through preparing for and participating in the authentic conversations he's having with his group.
He's already excited about his idea of decorating a flower pot for his GrandPal as his final project.
I don't want to break it to him that doing that would be considered Art, because he doesn't like that either!"
In the Media
GrandPals has been featured in a wide range of local and national media. Stories have emphasized the program's power to foster connection, build empathy, and enrich communities across Canada.
Intergenerational Bonds & Impact
- Ste. Anne students build cross-generational friendships through Grand Pals program
Students at École Ste. Anne Immersion build friendships with older adults through GrandPals. - GrandPals program encourages intergenerational communication, friendship
Celebration at Walkerton District Community School highlights year-end connections. - Connecting Youth with Seniors in Moorefield
Students form strong friendships with GrandPals through storytelling. - Friendship Through the GrandPals Program
In Wellington County, students and seniors form meaningful bonds.
Expansion & Participation
- Bridging Generations at Holy Cross Catholic School
New school launch in Innisfil, reflecting program’s growth. - Barrie: Bridging the Generation Gap
Barrie residents encouraged to join GrandPals. - Connecting Older Adults with Students in Barrie
Recruitment campaign for older adult volunteers. - Program unites Sudbury's older adults, younger citizens
Health professionals recognize the program’s community benefits. - Students and GrandPals Connect
Hanover Heights and Walkerton District schools deepen community bonds.
Research & Recognition
- GrandPals program brings students, seniors together
NTV coverage of Juniper Ridge’s heartfelt closing ceremony. - Stayner Students Learn Life Lessons
Students reflect on life-changing experiences at True North Christian Academy. - Closing the Generation Gap
PDF story highlighting connection and learning at Sandy Lake Erickson PS. - Marc Mailhot & Lynda Brown Recognized
Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2017.
Impact That Lasts
GrandPals doesn’t just build relationships — it builds legacy. Students leave with a deeper understanding of their community, and GrandPals leave with a storybook authored by the students that captures moments from their life. These storybooks are treasured keepsakes and symbols of mutual respect across generations.
By helping communities implement intergenerational programming with safety, ease, and fidelity, GrandPals is making meaningful connections part of the fabric of everyday life — one story at a time.