Celebrating a Decade of #ElderWisdom:
The Green Bench Campaign Marks 10 Years of Combating Ageism
Media Release
Ontario, May 29, 2025 — For the past decade, a simple green bench has sparked profound conversations and meaningful connections across Ontario. The #ElderWisdom Green Bench Campaign celebrates its 10th anniversary this June during Seniors Month, inviting people of all ages to take a seat, slow down, and listen to the stories and wisdom of our elders.
What began in 2016 as a modest idea—one bench and one conversation—has blossomed into a national movement challenging ageism and fostering intergenerational understanding in parks, libraries, city halls, schools, and online.
This year, Green Bench events will take place in communities across Ontario, offering a welcoming space to reflect, connect, and learn from our elders.
June 2025 Green Bench Schedule:
- June 3: Mississauga
- June 4: Whitby
- June 7: Kitchener
- June 10: Hamilton, London, Mississauga
- June 17: Brampton
- June 19: St. Jacobs, Barrie, Hamilton
- June 24: Windsor, Guelph
- June 25: Toronto, Tecumseh, Burlington
Please visit this page for more details on specific events, including times and locations: elderwisdom.ca/2025plans
Beyond Seniors Month, the Green Bench’s mission continues this summer with opportunities for Schlegel villages residents to revisit places of meaning from their past or fulfill a dream destination trip. Along with residents, loved ones and support team members, the Green Bench with travel to:
- St. John’s, Newfoundland
- London, England
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Elmira, Ontario
- A local Indigenous-led program in Ontario
These journeys will celebrate the power of storytelling, media engagement, and shared wisdom, leaving a Green Bench behind as a lasting gift to each host community.
"When we started the Green Bench campaign in 2016, we never imagined it would touch so many lives," says Ron Schlegel, Founder of Schlegel Villages and the inspiration behind the #ElderWisdom Campaign. "This bench has become a symbol of what can happen when we slow down and take the time to listen. The wisdom of our elders enriches our communities in countless ways, and as we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re reminded that the conversation is just getting started."
The message after 10 years is clear: “Our elders have wisdom to share, and our communities are richer when we take the time to listen.”
Together, let’s keep the conversation going.
For details and event updates, visit elderwisdom.ca
For more information, media requests, or to get involved, contact:
Ted Hudson, Director of Digital Marketing
ted.hudson@schlegelvillages.com
Kristian Partington, Director of Communications
kristian.partington@schlegelvillages.com
