News release

Intergenerational Awards Presented

Seniors (Oct. 2007 - Aug. 2021)

Seniors and youth working together to make life better in their communities were recognized with the presentation of the Intergenerational Awards today, May 17.

Teaching students to plant an organic garden, volunteering at a rest home, and organizing an intergenerational choir were some of the celebrated activities.

"The recipients of the Intergenerational Award are wonderful volunteers who promote the importance of youth and seniors working together to make their communities better," said Seniors' Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse.

The Beaver Bank Kinsac Senior Association is the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Group Award for its volunteer contribution to students at the Harold T. Barrett Junior High School. The group, also known as the 50+Keeners, partnered with the school to help Grade 7 students learn organic gardening skills, working with more than 30 students to design, prepare, plant and harvest two organic gardens. They also led a group of students in developing a booklet on organic gardening for elementary students and another in designing a scrapbook to document the project.

Katie Dawn Reashore is the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award: Younger Generation for her contributions to the Alderwood Rest Home in Baddeck. Katie, a 13-year-old student at Baddeck Academy visits with residents twice a week, providing companionship, participating in events and conducting programs including crafts and decorations. She purchased teddy bears for all the residents and provides all of the supplies for her craft programs, gifts and treats.

Jocelyn Morris is the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award: Older Generation for her contributions to the Cumberland Singers. Jocelyn leads the Cumberland Singers, an intergenerational choir with participants age 6 to 84. She organizes two annual concerts and secures local sponsorship. The concerts raise funds for various local and international charitable organizations. In 2010, the concerts raised funds for Haitian Earthquake Relief and Chalice Child Care International. The concerts combine the social goals of fundraising with entertaining capacity crowds at the Wentworth Recreation Centre.

"We are very fortunate in Nova Scotia to have such dedicated volunteers. When we have interaction between people of different generations, we offer citizens in our communities an invaluable opportunity to see beyond generational stereotypes," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "The benefits of learning from one another's experiences enriches many communities across our province."

The Department of Seniors continues to work to increase awareness of the value of intergenerational relationships and broaden public understanding of the emerging challenges and opportunities associated with Nova Scotia's aging population.