SAVVY
About the program
SAVVY: Senior Ambassadors Virtually Volunteer with Youth is an intergenerational volunteering program that connects seniors and youth to volunteer together for virtual and/or in-person activities. The program will consist of a combination of one-on-one relationship building, skills-sharing, monthly group connects and volunteering for community organizations.
How it works
A senior SAVVY participant (age 55+) will be matched with a youth SAVVY participant (age 14-25) who they will meet bi-weekly to do volunteering activities together. The youth will share their media and tech skills and the senior will share their own skills and knowledge in return. Volunteering activities can include:
- Creating social media posts and infographics for social causes and organizations
- Co-creating and facilitating a virtual workshop about a topic the pair is mutually interested in (e.g. social justice, mental health, healthy eating, etc.)
- Hosting a virtual event, like a fundraiser or auction or social activity for an underserved audience
- Taking part in monthly connects where they interact with other program participants
- Activities with community organizations, such as gardening, writing letters for isolated seniors or hosting games nights for seniors
Why should I participate?
Intergenerational programs bridge generational gaps and foster relationships between individuals of various ages, while also addressing issues such as mental wellbeing, loneliness and isolation, ageism, cultural identity gaps, digital divides and more. Volunteering with a buddy can be fun and inspiring, especially when you get to share new experiences with each other!
Program eligibility
- Seniors must be age 55+ and youth must be between ages 14-25
- Must be a resident of Peel Region (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon)
- Available to volunteer minimum 5 hours per month
- If you do not have access to technology, please indicate it in the application form and we can make accommodations for you.
We will prioritize members of underserved communities into the program, including people who identify as racialized, LGBTQ2S+, newcomer or refugee, low-income, and/or live with a disability.
Registration
Registration is now closed. Use the action buttons to be added to a waitlist. For more information, please contact programs@volunteermbc.org.