By battlefordsNOW

Better Together Tuesdays aims to connect generations, promote healing

Jan 8, 2019 | 3:00 PM

Both Battlefords mayors joined youth and seniors outside city hall today to officially launch Better Together Tuesdays. 

The T-shirt campaign was started by Grade 12 John Paul II Collegiate student Allysa Woodrow to bring the younger and older generations together and encourage conversation.

Through the program, people of different generations wear a Better Together T-shirt each week, with one of the assorted designs available, and essentially find their matches and get to know one another.   
 
“I love getting together with my grandma,” Woodrow said. “I know a lot of kids don’t have that opportunity. She said she knows that many seniors also don’t have the opportunity to connect with young people so the T-shirt project would help bridge the gap. 

“I figured that the connection would just make a difference,” she added.

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Woodrow said a year ago the Battlefords lost several people to suicide, many of whom were youth. Four of the youth were her friends. She hopes the new project will help the community and promote wellbeing. 
 
Each Tuesday in January and February people taking part will wear their Better Together T-shirts and connect with other participants at various locations such as senior homes, schools or churches.

North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater strongly supported the project.

“I’m hoping this will catch on,” he said at the launch. “I hope that people will take the initiative to get their own (Better Together) T-shirt, and connect with other people in the community.”

Bater proclaimed the period for the Better Together Tuesdays project. Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie officially proclaimed the campaign in the town at council’s meeting Monday.

Pastor Deb McNabb who acted as a mentor for Woodrow said she hopes the project helps the community as it continues to deal with grief.

She said for Woodrow to see her dream for the project take shape has “helped her with her healing.”

“I’m really proud of her,” McNabb said. “I’m proud of our young people and our seniors who came today.” 

John Paul II Collegiate, North Battleford Comprehensive High School and Connaught Elementary School students, as well as residents from a number of retirement homes are participating in the project. Battlefords Midget Barons hockey ‘Team Cole’ are also taking part.

The project received funding for $1,500 through the #RisingYouth Grant, and involved three partners: Canada Service Corp, TakingItGlobal and the federal government. All Out Graphics has helped create the T-shirts for the project. Kids Helping Kids also provided some funding.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW