Frieda Fernholm, a 95-year-old resident of The O’Neill Centre in Toronto, holds valentines sent by youngsters from Etobicoke’s Kingsway College School as part of a new intergenerational pen-pal program.
O’Neill Centre residents correspond with youngsters
Pen-pal program forges friendships
Friday March 12, 2010 -- Lisa Bailey
Enriching lives — it’s written all over an intergenerational pen-pal program at The O’Neill Centre in Toronto.

Launched in September 2009, the initiative matches 26 residents at the long-term care and retirement home with 30 Grade 2 students from two classes at Kingsway College School in Etobicoke.

The pen pals correspond monthly through letters or, in the case of Christmas and Valentine’s Day for example, cards. Drawings and jokes are enjoyed, too, but life questions form the heart of the dialogue, leading to the sharing of experiences, memories and talents.

“It’s something new and exciting, to receive a letter knowing it’s personally for you,” says the home’s program therapist, Pamela Gauci, describing the positive effects of this new-found companionship and community connection on residents.

“You can see that there’s an appreciation, that they feel special, that someone actually took the time out to write to them and ask them questions,” Gauci says.

“There’s a sense of worth and value and dignity because they’re being asked questions by someone who really wants to know.”

Residents, some of whom are assisted by students from George Brown College’s activation co-ordination program, have had some great exchanges with their young friends.

Discussion has touched on everything from cultural and family traditions to current events. One youngster, for example, declared she wants to be a rock star like her idol, Hannah Montana. The senior wrote back wondering who Hannah Montana was, sparking a dialogue about role models. In another instance, a resident of Polish heritage included Merry Christmas in the language of his home country on the holiday card for his pen pal.

“The children are learning about different cultures, languages, ways of life, and the seniors are learning what this generation is doing,” Gauci says.

At school, the students have been relating their pen-pal experience during monthly assembly meetings. One student, Marinah, recently read aloud this letter from her pen pal:

“Thank you for thinking of me, I love to get your letters and I always look forward to hearing about the fun things you do in school. Be good and say hello to your parents . . . your pen pal Phyllis.”

Reflecting the pride and enthusiasm felt by participants, Marinah also noted her class didn’t have ordinary pen pals their own age but special ones over age 80.

This comment shows that the students realize seniors “are people who are loving and caring and have a wealth of life experience, and they really are a treasure that we should embrace,” Gauci says.

The program ends with the school year but it’s hoped the pen pals will meet at a spring gathering at The O’Neill Centre.

With educators emphasizing character building and community involvement as part of the school experience, Gauci says the pen-pal program is a perfect fit. At Kingsway College School, it initially began with one class but grew to a second when the other class expressed keen interest.

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