The annual Intergenerational Gala celebrates its 5th anniversary on Sunday, May 3. The event is a joint initiative by The University of Western Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Grand Wood Park & Trafalgar Terrace Retirement Residences.
The gala will be held at the Four Points Sheraton from 4-7:30 pm. This event is known for its unique concept of pairing students and seniors as dinner dates to promote intergenerational understanding and friendships. The popularity of the event has increased steadily over the years and has perked interest to start similar events in other cities.
This year’s 150 attendees will step “Over The Rainbow” and into the mesmerizing world of Oz. The night will unfold with a delicious dinner, games, entertainment by the medical school’s orchestra and choir, performance by the Nostalgic Theater, dancing, and even a professional photo taken together for keepsake.
Both young and old enjoy learning each other’s stories that deepens their understanding of both generations. As an attendee for the past 3 years, 86 year-old Claris Watkin, shares her enthusiasm for the Gala, “As seniors we tend to put ourselves in little boxes and hide inside it, but an evening like this reminds us all that seniors still have a lot to give back to society. I will keep coming to these as long as I am alive!”
“Hanging out with the elderly is a lot of fun and a great privilege. They are very willing to share about all spectrums of life experiences – from serious to hilarious – we really only need to ask,” says Lydia Cheung, a second-year medical student, and a member of the IGG student committee.
“You can feel the excitement growing as we near the Gala. The residents have been preparing for months – many have been involved in dance classes at Grand Wood Park to ensure that they keep up with their student partners. This is truly an example of why we strongly believe that retirement living is about continuing to learn, explore, celebrate and to just have some fun,” remarks Tanis Siddique, Lifestyle Coordinator at Grand Wood Park Retirement Residence.
Dr. Laura Diachun, an associate professor and co-director of the eldercare clerkship program for medical students comments, “The students have demonstrated tremendous initiative, creativity and compassion in their dedication to the Gala. The merit of this kind of event is almost intangible, especially with the ever growing need to prepare future medical students for our aging society.”