Rivers Pen Pal Program Creates Friendships Between Generations

The Rivers Personal Care Home and Rivers Elementary Grade 6 class have found a heartwarming way to bridge generational gaps and foster meaningful connections through an intergenerational pen pal program. Led by Prairie Mountain Health volunteer Tamara Robak and the recreation staff at the Personal Care Home, the program is bringing together two very different generations and forming friendships.

Writing letters has become a rare and cherished activity in an age dominated by digital communication. For the residents, putting pen to paper brings back memories of how they once communicated, offering them a sense of friendship and comfort. Receiving handwritten letters is a delightful surprise for the residents, bringing joy and a sense of connection with their new young friends.

This program offers students more than just an opportunity to practice letter writing. It allows them to develop friendships with the older generation and learn the art of traditional communication. The program goes beyond a simple writing exercise, creating a space for meaningful social interaction, artistic exchange, and cross-generational learning.

In October 2024, the students were paired with a resident and wrote their first letters. With the support of volunteer organizer Tamara, the residents wrote back to their new young friends. In December, Mrs. Rankin’s Grade 6 class delivered Christmas cards to their pen pals and met them in person for the first time. The students not only got to meet their pen pals but shared in the Christmas spirit by singing songs and reciting poems.

This pen pal program has proven to be an excellent way to connect different generations, bring joy, and build friendships. We look forward to continuing this meaningful exchange throughout the school year and growing these intergenerational friendships.