At Berwick Comox Valley, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to bring people together. Last fall, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ann Brown, the Intergenerational Connector in the Comox Valley, and her assistant, Christy Wager. They shared with us a wonderful new initiative called Seniors & Children Arts & Crafts, hosted by The Together Time Club at our local Community Centre. As someone passionate about creating opportunities for connection across generations, I immediately saw the potential for a collaboration with Berwick—and Ann and Christy were just as enthusiastic.
In our first meeting, they spoke about a previous event they had organized for National Intergenerational Day on June 1st. Their stories inspired us, and the timing couldn’t have been better—Berwick had just received a government grant for Active Living, giving us the perfect boost to make something truly special happen.
From there, everything began to fall into place. We divided tasks, brainstormed ideas, and worked together seamlessly to plan a celebration that would connect people of all ages—not just our residents and their families, but anyone in the Comox Valley who wanted to feel a sense of belonging. We even welcomed passersby on the sidewalk to join in the fun!
And what a beautiful day it was. “There was such a beautiful energy throughout the day. You could feel the joy in every interaction—it was one of those rare moments where age truly didn’t matter. We were all simply people, together, enjoying each other’s company.”
— Ann Brown, Intergenerational Connector, Comox Valley
Laughter rang out from every corner, from the craft stations to the snow cone machine. One resident summed it up perfectly the next day, remarking, “Everyone was just so joyful—no tears, no fuss—just pure happiness.” That joy was shared across generations, and it was exactly the kind of meaningful connection we set out to create.
The impact of intergenerational experiences is powerful. I’ve seen it firsthand, not only during the event but through the years with my own children, who have been visiting Berwick for the past 12 years. Both of them volunteered at the celebration—my daughter operated the snow cone machine with help from a few residents, and my son helped with set-up and take-down. They had an amazing time and gained so much from the experience.
I love watching the residents bond with my kids over the years—they’ve become like an extended family. My daughter even teaches a weekly summer art class at Berwick, and I’ve seen how it’s helped her grow in confidence, develop people skills, and cultivate compassion. Today, she dreams of becoming a teacher, which fills my heart with pride.
This event was more than just a one-day celebration—it was a joyful milestone in our ongoing journey to connect generations, share wisdom, and nurture emotional well-being. We’re already planning future collaborations with the Comox Valley community, Senior Support North VI, and The Together Time Club.
Stay tuned—we’re just getting started!
Written by Ashley Brasyno who has been an Active Living Coordinator at Berwick Comox Valley for almost twelve years.