The partnership between the Agassiz Legion and the Agassiz Centre for Education (ACE) just keeps getting stronger. Their teen and senior lunches, Christmas morning breakfasts and other community service partnerships have gained plenty of attention, both locally and nationally.
Now, the two are teaming up to showcase their best achievement — improving intergenerational relationships. And they're inviting the entire community to join them.
National Intergenerational Day is June 1, and to celebrate the Legion and ACE's own success at breaking down the generation barriers, they are holding a community open house featuring games and activities, a barbecue and more. This will be a chance for businesses and organizations to get involved, said ACE administrator Sandy Balascak. They can take part by setting up a booth, volunteering their time or organizing an activity during the open house.
Since June 1 is a Sunday, the event will be held on Friday, May 30 at the Agassiz Legion.
In particular, Balascak said they are looking for a business to sponsor the bouncy castle.
"We will have a barbecue featuring ACE burgers, an open house for any organizations or businesses who would like to take part in that, and a variety of activities/games that will appeal to a wide range of ages," Balascak said. "This will be a huge community event with people throughout Agassiz and Harrison taking part in the festivities."
More than 100 communities across Canada proclaimed June 1 an Intergenerational Day last year. The effort to increase intergenerational activities started five years ago (intergenerational.ca).
That website states that "intergenerational immersion is defined as any situation whereby different generations interface within each others' living/working space. For example, if a youth group enters a care home to participate with elders in some way, this is intergenerational immersion. If elders visit a school to participate as an audience for a student concert, this is intergenerational immersion. In each case, connecting of the participant groups is intentional, with specific intergenerational goals in mind. The resulting connections are rich and hold hope for future communities through sharing."
To become a part of the open house, contact Sandy at 604-796-9496.