Seniors co-op earns provincial award

Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op has been recognized with the 2025 Manitoba Healthy Aging Award for Intergenerational Activities.

Co-op representatives were presented with the award late last month during a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

“It means a lot to us because it shows that the work we’re doing is being acknowledged,” co-op executive director Eleysha Klaassen told the Sun.

“There are so many benefits when older adults and kids can connect and share experiences.”

The Intergenerational Impact award recognizes the voluntary contribution of Manitobans or volunteer-led organizations that have created innovative solutions to improve the health of older adults in the community through meaningful intergenerational activities and connections.

The award affirms the value of creating opportunities for seniors and young people to learn from one another, Klaassen said.

The co-op has been expanding its intergenerational programming over the past two to three years, supported by grants. While the organization hopes to partner with all schools across the division eventually, Klaassen said, “we currently work most closely with Valleyview, Linden Lanes, Green Acres and Harrison.”

Projects range from classroom visits to seasonal activities.

Klaassen said volunteers were at a school this week helping children decorate gingerbread houses — an event where students bring their grandparents, while seniors from the co-op fill in for children who don’t have family nearby.

The co-op also collaborates with classrooms on card-making projects that send handwritten Christmas messages to seniors living in the community. Students visit care homes for Halloween parades, and a Grade 5/6 class regularly hosts seniors for crib games. Children from Green Acres have also visited the co-op to play games with members.

Klaassen said the activities are meaningful for both age groups.

“The kids love it when older people come into their school. When they can bring their own grandparents, it makes it more special,” she said. “And for those who don’t have grandparents around, we make sure they still have that connection by pairing them with one of our seniors.”

The co-op is preparing to broaden its programming in the new year. One of the most ambitious plans is a partnership with a local high school to produce a video highlighting the benefits of seniors supporting seniors. Another project would see members teach dance lessons in schools, Klaassen said.

“Plans are also underway to collaborate with a Grade 5/6 class on building model airplanes, and to link the Brandon Genealogical Society with older students interested in exploring family history,” she said.

Klaassen said the co-op is open to working with any school in the division and hopes to strengthen communication with the division in the year ahead.

“It’s really great to see these connections growing,” she said. “Kids need to hear the stories of older adults, and for our seniors to feel involved and valued. Everyone benefits from that.”

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