ONE-ON-ONE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Smile on Seniors Grandfriend program offers a meaningful opportunity for volunteers to forge genuine friendships with seniors in our community. By thoughtfully pairing volunteers (18+ years) with seniors who share common interests, we create the foundation for authentic connections to flourish. Through regular visits and shared activities, volunteers not only enrich the lives of seniors but also experience the deep satisfaction that comes from making a real difference in someone’s life.
By participating in the Grandfriend program, you’ll contribute to a more connected community while developing a rewarding relationship. Join us in creating smiles that brighten lives and hearts.
One-on-one volunteers commit to visiting their senior weekly or fortnightly for a 6 month period.
INTERGENERATIONAL AND BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAMS
Our transformative intergenerational programs connect students (ages 12-18) with seniors in meaningful interactions that include interviews, artistic collaborations and musical experiences. These thoughtfully designed connections aren’t just enjoyable, they are powerful. Research confirms that these interactions can significantly enhance seniors’ wellbeing while helping combat cognitive and physical decline.
Bar and Bat mitzvah aged children take part in special initiatives whereby they create shabbat packages and personalised cards for the seniors, as well as visits. Through these sessions, the students engage in rich conversations with the seniors about the significance of this milestone across generations.
SHABBAT HUG/PACKING BEE
Our fortnightly Shabbat Packing Bee gatherings bring together volunteers in creating moments of joy for our community’s seniors.
Smile on Seniors also offer this program to school groups, youth movement participants, and young adults celebrating their bar/bat mitzvahs.
Together, these volunteers assemble over 250 “Shabbat Hugs” packages that reach seniors across 25 residential facilities. Each package contains personalised cards, chocolates and challah. When our seniors receive these ‘Shabbat Hugs”, their faces light up with genuine appreciation, creating powerful moments of connection. These small gestures of kindness reinforce the idea that our seniors are cherished members of our community.
DAY CENTRE
Our newest initiative is a monthly Day Centre event for seniors at our premises. We invite senior members of our community for an enjoyable afternoon. Sessions include afternoon tea, music, speakers, entertainment, and an opportunity to shmooze and meet new friendly faces.
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