Montreal, May 1, 2022 – Launched in 1972, this year marks five decades of the Yellow Door’s Generations
Program, an initiative that brings together university-aged youth and older adults to combat social isolation and its associated negative health effects in both generations.
The Yellow Door, a registered charity that is over 100 years old, promotes social inclusion through programs that foster interpersonal and intergenerational relationships, creative community projects, and holistic well-being for all ages.
For seniors who live alone and do not have family nearby to support and assist them, the Yellow Door offers critical services, as well as a friendly community for them to be part of. “It is important to have programs like these because they provide a sense of community to those who have no loved ones around. It reassures seniors and volunteers that there is always someone to turn to.” says Patricia, who served at the Generations Coordinator from 1974 to 1978 and is now a current Generations member.
“In 1972 a group of McGill students led by the Yellow Door conducted surveys of seniors in the area, determining their needs and where they might want assistance. Youth volunteers were then sent out to complete ‘tasks’.” said Kaitlin Fahey, Executive Director. “Today the program continues to respond to seniors’ needs, only now we match youth and seniors in order to build meaningful relationships. I think this grew from the realization that volunteers were getting just as much out of the program as seniors! It was more than just assistance, it was a real way to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation – feelings that span generations.”
Fifty years later the program continues thanks to grants from the Government of Quebec and Centraide, the generosity of private foundations and individual donors, and because of dedicated volunteers who give their time each week to visit with and assist seniors. Currently, almost 300 seniors are served by 150 volunteers, who help with errands, accompaniments, technology, home deliveries of cultural items such as books, and of course, friendly visits.
Throughout the year, the Yellow Door will be celebrating 50 years of working to promote social inclusion in downtown Montreal.
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Contact: Lisa Baum
lisarbaum@gmail.com / (514) 506-8721