A Brantford-based organization known as SKIP (Seniors and Kids Intergeneration Programs) is doing its bit to eliminate a generation gap, specifically between seniors and elementary school students. Recent winners of a contest worth $10,000, SKIP now hopes to attain not-for-profit status and continue to build bridges between the young and the not-so-young, something that has been overwhelmingly rewarding up to this point.
This article appeared in the January 21st Brant News -
by Lauren Baron
Seniors and Kids Intergeneration Programs can now take steps to become a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization, thanks to a competition sponsored by coffee company Maxwell House.
The Brantford-based organization, known as SKIP, recently won $10,000 as part of the Maxwell House “brew some good competition,” a competition designed to help individuals and organizations improve their communities.
“It’s always been a goal for us, but we wanted to keep the programs running,” said Liz Martorano, SKIP founder and chairperson. “In order to sustain SKIP we’ve had to dedicate all of our money to transportation.
“This was a really neat stepping stone for SKIP. It was monumental in giving us the ability to move forward.”
Hundreds of groups across Canada were nominated in the contest and SKIP was one of only 17 organizations chosen to receive a donation.
“We were among some amazing recipients and what an honour it was to know that we’re headed in the right directions,” Martorano said.
Martorano said it was a “revelation” to hear that Maxwell House thought SKIP was a worthy cause. She hopes the program can continue to grow and eventually branch outside of Brant to the rest of the province and country.
SKIP brings elementary school students together with seniors for their different programs: school visitations, mentoring hears and music enrichment.
The school visitation program brings junior elementary school students to senior nursing care facilities to inspire companionship and understanding.
Mentoring hearts has the students learning about career paths from the seniors.
Students put on weekend concerts for seniors as part of the music enrichment program. The students in Shannon fleet’s Grade 4 and 5 Class at Paris Central Public School visit seniors at Park Lane terrace in Paris once a month as part of the school visitation program.
“I like going there and having fun with the seniors and to talk to them,” said 10 year-old student Dylan Clark. “I think the seniors have lots of fun when we go there because when I go there I see smiles on their faces.”
Having a chance to meet with and understand the lives of seniors is really important said 10- year-old Darcie Brownell.
“I think it’s important because some people don’t get along with their grandparents because they are different, but when they go to SKIP they have fun and maybe realize ‘I should give my grandparents another chance,’ Brownell said.
The program is beneficial to the seniors as well. Tina Degiallo, a senior with the SKIP program who visits Banbury Heights School, says she looks forward to the first Thursday of every month when she gets to see the students.
“I really enjoy it very much,” Delgiallo said.
:”I lost my husband two years ago and I was so sad and they brought a smile back to my face.”
With the money from Maxwell House Martorano hopes that SKIOP can continue to deliver what she calls a “vital” program to both she seniors and students.
“I’m just hoping that what we’re doing with SKIP will make a difference and make society more tolerant of becoming old,” Martorano said. “It gives kids the wisdom on how to deal with aging
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