Social isolation is a significant challenge for many seniors. The National Seniors Councils of Canada states that volunteering deepens social networks and reduces the likelihood of isolation. However, many seniors face barriers to volunteering, such as lack of information, transportation, mobility issues, and for immigrant seniors, language and cultural barriers.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Elder Angels project successfully empowered seniors to give back to their community while building meaningful connections. Through the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, we brought together 37 volunteers—seniors and youth—to prepare and deliver essential care packages to three organizations supporting vulnerable populations in Calgary.
The Elder Angels project successfully empowered seniors to give back to their community while building meaningful connections. Through the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, we brought together 37 volunteers—seniors and youth—to prepare and deliver essential care packages to three organizations supporting vulnerable populations in Calgary.
WHAT WE DID
Volunteers came together on three dedicated dates to fill the bags at each organization's location (except for Reset, where we gathered off-site). A representative from each organization delivered a powerful presentation to volunteers, and at the Salvation Army, we received a tour of their transitional housing.
The youth planning committee played a key leadership role: they helped source and shop for items, sorted and organized materials for each location, and acted as hosts at the events to welcome volunteers. This intergenerational collaboration was a cornerstone of the project.
Volunteers came together on three dedicated dates to fill the bags at each organization's location (except for Reset, where we gathered off-site). A representative from each organization delivered a powerful presentation to volunteers, and at the Salvation Army, we received a tour of their transitional housing.
The youth planning committee played a key leadership role: they helped source and shop for items, sorted and organized materials for each location, and acted as hosts at the events to welcome volunteers. This intergenerational collaboration was a cornerstone of the project.
OUR IMPACT BY NUMBERS
- 37 Total Volunteers (18 older adults, 16 youth, and 3 youth planning committee members)
- 100 Care Packages filled and donated to three organizations:
- 40 bags to the Salvation Army Transitional Housing for Women (supporting individuals experiencing homelessness)
- 35 bags to Unison at Kerby's Shelter (supporting seniors experiencing abuse)
- 25 bags to Reset Society of Calgary (supporting survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking)
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- The organizations we served were deeply appreciative of the care packages.
- Volunteers loved the educational component, gaining a deeper understanding of homelessness, elder abuse, and human trafficking.
- Participants valued meeting new people and doing something meaningful with their time.
- Many volunteers expressed a strong desire to continue this kind of work, showing the project's lasting impact on their sense of purpose and community engagement.
WHAT VOLUNTEERS GAINED
- Improved Well-being: As one participant noted, they felt a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
- New Friendships: The intergenerational model created bonds between seniors and youth.
- New Knowledge: Through the presentations and tours, seniors gained firsthand insights into complex social issues.
This project is supported by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)
