Community Care is launching its longstanding intergenerational program, “Grandparent of the Year,” that honours children’s relationships with a Grandparent, Elder, or a special older person in their lives.
Over the past 36 years, thousands of school children from across the City and County of Peterborough have nominated a loved one for the award. Children are encouraged to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their Grandparent, Elder or special older person, and why they think their nominee should win the award.
New this year, Community Care is excited to accept nominations from children in grade one. In prior years, the program was open to grades two to six. Both English and French submissions are accepted.
“Teachers in the City and County of Peterborough have a wonderful opportunity to use this contest as an inspiring writing assignment for their students,” said Danielle Belair – Executive Director of Community Care. “We also recognize that not all teachers may know about this opportunity so we have applications available on our website. If your child is in grades one to six and not participating in their class, they are encouraged to take part.”
Community Care has been amazed over the years by the scope of touching stories received from children nominating their loved ones.
“Each year we are fascinated by the variety of heartwarming stories we receive,” added Belair. “Many of the honorees are indeed grandparents or great grandparents of the students however there have been a number of entries that highlight a special senior friend, Elder, or great Aunt or Uncle as well.”
Community Care is pleased to continue its partnership with the Peterborough Public Library to help promote the program and seek applications from children who may not have the chance through their school. Applications are available and are being accepted at the Library, with a writing workshop planned as well.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Library in early June, an occasion referred to as a ‘Smiles All Around’ event. The winners and honourable mentions will have an opportunity to introduce and present the award to their Grandparent, Elder, or special older person, with photos taken by a local photographer.
A committee will select one winner and one honourable mention from each group of grades; primary and junior in both English and French categories. Primary is Grades 1, 2, & 3, and junior is Grades 4, 5, & 6.
Community Care has suggested several questions for children to think about when describing their nominee:
What is important about their relationship with their Grandparent, Elder or special older person?
- What kinds of activities are done together?
- What kind of knowledge have they shared with the child?
- Describe a happy occasion the child and their nominee shared.
- How does their nominee make them feel when they are together?
- Why they are proud of their nominee?
- Why the child thinks their nominee should win the award?
All entries must be received by Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Entries may be submitted by mail to Community Care, 185 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON, K9H 0H1, Attn: Pamela Beauchamp. They can also be submitted by email: pbeauchamp@commcareptbo.org, or online (website below).
Winners will be announced in early June at an in-person event at the Peterborough Public Library.
For entry forms or more information about the Grandparent of the Year event, visit: www.commcareptbo.org/grandparentoftheyear
For more information about the Grandparent of the Year program, please contact Pamela Beauchamp, Donor Relations Assistant, at: 705-775-3083, ext. 221 or email her at pbeauchamp@commcareptbo.org.
