‘Bridging the Gap’: Program connects Montreal’s younger and older generations

Fostering connections between Montreal’s younger and older generations –- this is the “Bridging the Gap!” program.

Students from Perspectives High School in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood greeted clients from Day Centre Dante and The Almage Senior Community Centre on Thursday morning — playing bingo, dancing, and sharing stories ahead of Valentine’s Day.

“That’s what I want, fun,” said Angelina Mignacca, client of Day Centre Dante. “I like to see that young people get used to it with the older people too.”

Mignacca came to Montreal in 1948.

Today, she’s proud of her family – she has five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

And she loves to play bingo.

Celebrating love and kindness.

This was the English Montreal School Board’s (EMSB) first ever “Will you Be My Valentine?” event from the “Bridging the Gap” project.

“I’m happy to be there today with them,” said Shelissa Arianna Chery Rosero, secondary one student from Perspectives High School. “We can play games and have fun to see a smile on their face.”

“I feel like it’s a lovely thing,” she added. “That they’re coming to our school.”

“Their family are probably all grown up,” said Angelina Nadeau-Grandmont, secondary three student from Perspectives High School. “And they feel lonely.”

“I think it’s nice to have them around,” she added. “It’s lovely talking to them and learning different things.”

The hopes of the project: to develop true friendships.

Some seniors who attended a “Bridging the Gap” activity at the school back in December returned –- hoping to continue the conversations they started with students last year.

“Being with grandparents is magical, right?” said Vince Lacroce, Spiritual Community Animator at the EMSB.

“Having our students connect with an older generation,” he added. “Who, you know, lived a simpler life, a simpler time, and have some great stories and great morals and things to share with them.”

“We’ve always found it an exceptional experience.”

“For myself and for the staff,” said Lacroce. “It’s great to see our kids kind of connecting with their community.”

Lunch was served – bingo games were won – and smiles were shared.

“Oh, everybody in my family gonna ask me, ‘how did you like it?’,” said Mignacca. “I’m glad that I came.”