7 grand: Ideas + Inspiration

Ideas + Inspiration

grand7

Letters to Seniors

Letters to Seniors supports isolated seniors with encouraging, meaningful handwritten letters sent by volunteers of all ages. The program consists of two phases:

Phase One: Volunteers of all ages send drawings/short cheerful cards/letters to seniors.

Phase Two: Youth and seniors who are eager to build a connection with one another join the pen-pal format of the program, where they send letters back and forth and discuss their interests and hobbies. Letters to Seniors is seeking seniors to participate. If you are interested, email info@volunteergrandparents. ca.

Create Your Own Cookbook

A custom cookbook is a beautiful—albeit time-consuming— gift. Several online publishing platforms such as Blurb (blurb.com) and Shutterfly (shutterfly.com) offer a special layout for the project, and it’s easy to upload photos, ingredients lists and directions. Fill it with cherished family recipes and the next time you’re all together, gather your grandkids and make your favourites for a family meal.

What I Love About Grandma/Grandpa:

A Fill in the Love Book

The concept of the book is simple: each page has a prompt that your grandkid fills in, including things like, “I love how you always say __” and “Your __ is the best __ ever.” It’s perfect for kids who are too young to write long cards on their own, or even for older kids who find communicating hard. And it’s a great project for each grandparent and grandchild to do together as a gift for the other grandparent. knockknockstuff.com.

Lifelong Learning

Learn about writing, cooking, wellness, sports, business, relationships and more, with each topic taught by an expert. Through programs like Masterclass and Skillshare, you can access thousands of classes about topics ranging from Animation to Wilderness Survival—and everything in between. Both platforms offer per class options along with unlimited access based on membership. For more information, visit masterclass.com or skillshare.com.

Elders Assistance Pilot Program

Métis nation British Columbia (MnBC) is launching elders Assistance Pilot Program to help low-income elders buy health-related necessities. eligibility is based on elders that currently access Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The funds can be used to purchase items including hearing aids, dentures, walkers, glasses, and more, totalling up to $2,500. Applicants must be MnBC citizens or be in the application process. Visit mnbc. ca/news/2021/metis-nationbritish-columbia-launcheselders-assistance-pilotprogram.

Bridges Healing Notebook

Bridges for Women’s 2021 Bridges to Healing Workbook is now available. This selfpaced workbook is for women (transgender and cisgender), non-binary, and two-spirit people who identify as a part of the women’s community and who have been impacted by violence or trauma at any time in their lives. It is full of practical tips and techniques to help individuals understand and overcome the impacts of trauma, and begin to heal and set and achieve personal goals. For more information and to order a print copy ($32.95 plus shipping and handling), visit bridgesforwomen.ca.

Go Big at Butchart this Christmas

Sample the winter sights and tastes on a tour of the Saanich Peninsula this Christmas. Travel in a Tesla Signature Model S 85 or Model 3, the world’s first fully-electric, solar-powered touring sedans. Or, for bigger groups, ride in the Tesla Model X SUV for 6. Your 4- to 8-hour Tesla Tour will visit Butchart Gardens with optional visits to Butterfly Gardens or your choice of Saanich-area vineyards, honey farms, distilleries and tearooms (tasting fees included, admission fees and meals not included). Admission tickets, starting at $779.49 for groups/ families up to 6, may be purchased online: viator.com.