Montreal youth centre working to bridge generational gaps

While the holidays may be a cheerful period for some, others struggle with a sense of isolation.

On Monday, LOVE, a Montreal-based non-profit organization, hosted a holiday intergenerational event, bringing together young people from their programs and seniors living in subsidized housing.

The goal was to bridge generational gaps and help foster a sense of connection.

“We wanted to kind of work to break that social isolation that can exist among seniors and young people, and bring those groups together and just create some holiday cheer,” said Robyn Dalton, Executive Director of LOVE Québec.

Attendees shared games and activities, including a get to know each other bingo game where they had to ask each other different kinds of questions.

“We’re helping our young people become active citizens, and as they’re sort of growing into this next generation, we want them to know that we can really make a difference in other people’s lives just by doing something as simple as coming together, sharing their artwork, sharing their talents. So, it really is about a message of hope and positivity for the future,” expressed Dalton.

A photo exhibit with the theme of identity was also on display.

“Over the course of this last year, over 500 photos were taken by our LOVE youth, and our team selected the top 30 photos that sort of fit into this theme of identity that’s been our sort of artistic theme over the course of this year. These photos were all shown at a photo exhibit this year, and so we wanted to bring that exhibit into different spaces and make our LOVE art more accessible to the two different communities,” explained Dalton.

Some LOVE Youth also took part in musical performances.

“I’m feeling very excited to be here and to play some music. This event is really, really important for everybody, not just the seniors or the youth. I feel like everyone is coming together and connecting with each other,” said Adele Davidoff, LOVE Youth.

“I’m very excited to get to talk to people and get to celebrate together and get to hear stories,” Davidoff added.

“I really like meeting new people, and I think that collaborating in these kinds of events for seniors, and especially working with the LOVE group, is great. I think it’s fun— for starters, it’s fun—and I like feeling like I’m helping. I like playing music for people, and I’m excited to be able to do that here today,” adds Ellie Morales, LOVE Youth.

Maria Giniel is a resident at Habitations Durocher. She expressed her gratitude for being a part of an event like this.

“I’m happy to be here because, me, I got no family, and I don’t go out nowhere,” she said.

Linda Massarelli, Volunteer for Office Municipal d’Habitation de Montréal, explained “We try to organize activities so they can leave their apartment and become involved, and also we give them services and make sure that they are provided with care. We want to give them care and show them that someone in the building is responsible for them.”

Dalton also expressed her gratitude.

“We’re just very grateful for all of the donors who support our work. And these are kind of the moments where we get to sort of connect with the community in really special ways. We’re very, very grateful and happy to share that out,” she said.