In 2019, Ottawa proclaimed June 1st as Intergenerational Day for the first time at the request of iGenOttawa, a community initiative founded by Christine Franklin, Nicola Maule, Diane Drouin (2019-2021) and Martha Jeacle (2019-2021).
Given the wonderful community response, iGenOttawa will be promoting the value of intergenerational connections year-round, teaming up with community partners to highlight, encourage and initiate activities that bring different generations together for the benefit of the community |
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The Impact
With community support, iGenOttawa seeks to:
Bring awareness of the positive value of relationships between older and younger people; Encourage organizations, community groups and residents to celebrate Intergenerational Day through activities that bring together people of different ages; and Promote the value of taking small actions to bridge generations within the community year-round. |
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Intergenerational connections offer many benefits to the community, including in such areas as health, education, and community safety.
Stereotypes of both young and older people are broken down when they learn about each other. Isolation is diminished and empathy grows in both directions. This creates a stronger, more age-friendly community. |