Banff-Airdrie Member of Parliament Blake Richards was on hand at the Cochrane Public Library June 27 to help announce $2,820 in funding for the library’s “Sharing Stories with Seniors” program.
The money comes from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors initiative, providing funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors in their communities.
The $2,820 will help the library create a volunteer reading program involving youth and seniors in order to support the social participation and inclusion of seniors.
Cochrane Public Library’s assistant director Jessie Pepin, who was instrumental in applying for and securing the funding, was thrilled at the announcement.
“This is a very exciting project for me because it’s the first Reading Buddies program I’ve been able to offer at this library, and we can do this both in-person and digitally, to adapt to everyone’s needs,” she said.
The summer program at the library, dubbed Reading Buddies, pairs a senior and a student in Grade 3 to 5 as reading partners for the summer. They meet once a week to read together.
Senior volunteers get an hour of training in reading, an hour of training in how to use Zoom (if desired), and the opportunity to coach a child through reading a book. And they get a free book.
The children who participate in the program receive support in developing their literacy skills, a free book, and the chance to win prizes.
Pepin said the funding announced Monday is critical, as it allows the library to buy the books and tablets needed for the program.
Richards was also excited at Monday’s event.
“This is really exciting for me and what a great idea – it utilizes the skills and talents and experience of our seniors,” the MP said. “The program allows future generations to benefit from the knowledge of seniors.”
The interaction between youths and seniors is good for both sides of the equation, he added.
“And why not continue that through the summer?” he asked. “Seems like a no-brainer to me.”
