Senior citizens and senior students came together for an afternoon of food, games and conversation Jan. 20 at South Interlake 55 Plus (SI55 Plus) to celebrate the launch of the Enhanced Transportation Committee.
Janice of the Stonewall Strummers plays guitar during the Seniors Café at South Interlake 55 Plus on Jan. 20
The new committee — made up of SI55 Plus, Nav-CARE, the South Interlake Seniors Resource Council (SISRC), Age Friendly and Stonewall Area Mobility Services (SAMS) — provides free transportation for seniors attending social events in Stonewall.
“Our mission is to help seniors who are isolated and want to participate in community events,” said Deb Hildebrandt, executive director of SI55 Plus. “When we had the opportunity to partner with the Grade 12 foods class at Collège Stonewall Collegiate, we put two and two together — the Seniors Café was a perfect fit.”
More than 25 adults and 16 students attended the event, each bringing a snack or beverage to share. Throughout the afternoon, students and seniors played games and chatted, building connections across generations.
“Intergenerational programming is an important part of our centre. We like to break down stereotypes and connect the generations through events like these,” Hildebrandt said.
“Seeing the conversations grow between younger and older generations is a highlight for all of us,” she added.
Jocelyn Reimer, foods teacher at Collège Stonewall Collegiate, described the afternoon as a meaningful learning experience for her students.
“Beyond kitchen skills, students are learning patience, kindness and the value of human connection,” she said. “It helped them see that different generations have a lot to learn from each other.”
Several students said they were surprised by how easily conversations flowed. Grade 12 student Edward Emerson-Futz said he would recommend the activity to others, even those who may feel hesitant.
“It’s a good experience that you’ll appreciate,” he said.
Classmate Nathaniel Greenidge agreed, noting that despite age differences, participants found common ground. Another student, Easton Killbery, said the event highlighted the importance of listening to people with life experience.
Hildebrandt said feedback from seniors was overwhelmingly positive, adding that reducing isolation is a core focus of SI55 Plus programming.
“Isolation is detrimental to health,” she said. “Social connection plays a key role in overall well-being, which is why enhanced transportation is so important.”
Funding from Age Friendly Manitoba and transportation provided by SAMS will allow seniors to attend events hosted by SI55 Plus, Nav-CARE and SISRC. Seniors can book rides by contacting any of the five participating organizations.
Each of the organizations involved said the collaboration prioritizes the emotional, social and physical well-being of their members.
“It takes a village to reach people who are isolated,” Hildebrandt added. “This collaboration isn’t about one organization — it’s about working together.”
Joie Van Dongen, chair of Age Friendly Stonewall/RM of Rockwood, said the partnership will help ensure transportation remains reliable and accessible.
“By coordinating senior excursions, we can encourage people who may be lonely or socially isolated to come together and participate in social and educational activities,” she said.
Everyone involved brings a unique contribution to the table when forming the Enhanced Transportation Committee, offering skills and resources that support efficient collaboration.
The SAMS coordinator said the partnership strengthens the community by filling service gaps and expanding reach. Long term, she hopes the collaboration will allow residents to age in place, access essential services and remove transportation barriers.
“Enhanced transportation is not just about moving people from one place to another — it’s about equity, dignity and overall community well-being,” she added. “SAMS values the opportunity to collaborate with the Enhanced Transportation Committee and looks forward to contributing solutions that are innovative, practical and reflective of Stonewall’s unique needs.”
