Celebrating Ten Years of #ElderWisdom
A simple green bench. That’s all it took to spark a decade-long movement rooted in compassion, connection, and community.
This June, during Seniors Month, the #ElderWisdom Green Bench Campaign celebrated 10 years of inviting people to slow down and listen to the voices of our oldest generations. From its humble beginning in 2016—just one bench and one heartfelt conversation—the campaign has blossomed into a national initiative with a profound message: “Our elders have wisdom to share, and our communities are richer when we take the time to listen.”
This milestone anniversary was one to remember. Our pledge has been signed by nearly 1,000 individuals, publicly committing to reject ageism and honour the experiences and insights of older adults. Across 18 Villages this year, 73 residents shared their personal stories, wisdom, and lived experiences with over 450 community members, as the Green Benches made appearances at 19 events in diverse settings—from parks and farmers’ markets to libraries and city squares.
Each Green Bench moment brought something special:
- In Kitchener, a newlywed couple took a seat outside City Hall to collect a little marriage advice from wise residents.
- Riverside Glen residents scooped up joy behind the counter at Dairy Queen.
- Glendale Crossing residents relived childhood wonder with carousel and train rides at Storybook Gardens.
- And in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park, VanRaam bikes carried residents alongside new friends for a unique ride and conversation.
Students played a huge role in the 10th-anniversary celebration, too. Through partnerships with schools and college programs, over 130 young people connected with residents through meaningful intergenerational exchanges. From John Fraser and Erindale Secondary Schools to Georgian College and Andrew Hunter Elementary School, the bench became a place where curiosity met wisdom and respect.
Special guests—including MPPs, mayors, police on horseback, professional athletes, and artists—joined in, showing their support for a vision of community where every voice is heard and valued.
Across the province, one thing rang true: wisdom thrives when we make space for it, and this year, that space was made again and again—beneath sun umbrellas, beside market stalls, and in the middle of town squares. The words shared were simple, heartfelt, and lasting:
- “Take every opportunity.”
- “Bloom with grace.”
- “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
- “Get a job you love.”
- “Share your parents’ and grandparents’ stories.”
Looking ahead, the movement will continue to grow 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 - July 14-18
- London, England - July 28 - August 1
- Elmira, Ontario - August 14
- Ottawa, Ontario - August 25-28
- An Indigenous-led program at the Mohawk Village Memorial Park in Brantford - September 11
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.
As Ron Schlegel, the founder of Schlegel Villages and the inspiration behind this movement, reminds us:
“This bench has become a symbol of what can happen when we slow down and take the time to listen.”
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