Project Phoenix is an intergenerational program based in Wellend, Ontario, just outside of Niagara, run jointly by the nonprofits Seniors for Youth Niagara and Youth Resources Niagara. The program aims to close the gap between seniors and youth for the purpose of improving the community by giving senior volunteers a chance to interact and share their knowledge and experience with at-risk youth in the area.

The project brings together elderly volunteers and youth from the Niagara Region Children’s Safety Village to refurbish computers that are then donated to families who have young children and are experiencing financial hardships. Any surplus computers are then sent to developing countries in need of aid. The computers are donated to Project Phoenix by various local agencies through their e-waste collection efforts. However, according to Youth Resources Niagara Manager Ron Dubciak, “It (the program) is not about the computers. The computers are tools to engage seniors and youth.”

Both sides benefit from the arrangement, as the youth get the opportunity to learn important professional and life skills and seniors get a chance to stay active in the community and contribute to a meaningful project. Studies have shown social interaction to have numerous mental and physical health benefits for seniors. The students gain self-confidence and the benefits of having a positive role model in their life, as well as develop technical expertise with computers that could lead to future employment in the industry. The program also benefits the environment by diverting about 100 tons of electronic waste from Niagara area landfills.

For more information: http://www.seniorsforyouthniagara.ca/projects.php