Did your grandmother teach you how to make the family’s famous recipes?
Were you on staff at Fraser Mills sawmill and have a knack for working wood?
Could you talk about a cultural tradition that you picked up while living abroad?
If you’re 65 or older, the Coquitlam Heritage Society wants your wisdom and talents.
The nonprofit that’s based at Mackin House is looking for Tri-City seniors to share their skills with the community as part of its inaugural Intergenerational Sharing Project.
Starting this fall and running until March 31, 2025, the successful candidate(s) will have time to prepare and deliver a series of presentations, workshops and/or exhibits about a hobby they’re passionate about — such as cooking, woodworking or crafting.
The selected senior(s) will receive $2,800 to pass on their expertise, over 70 hours.
The skill “has to be unique, not something you would find at a community centre,” Candrina Bailey, Coquitlam Heritage Society’s executive director, told the Tri-City News.
Funding for the program comes from the federal government via a New Horizons grant. To date, four seniors have applied but she hopes for more before the Aug. 31 deadline.
Bailey said the Intergenerational Sharing Project will follow the society’s current format for 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC youth internships, as well as its artist-in-residence program.
“Heritage,” Bailey said, “is safeguarded through transmissions, giving us many opportunities, especially through seniors, to share knowledge and fill in the gaps in the historical record. This is something beneficial for our community and for all ages.”
The successful applicant(s) will be named Sept. 6, with the work starting Sept. 9. Seniors can call the society’s programs manager at 604-516-6151 or email [email protected] to explain their special skill and delivery method.
Public events
Meanwhile, the Coquitlam Heritage Society hosts five free public gatherings in August:
- Aug. 4: August Summer Craft Mornings
- Aug. 17: Dog Days of Summer
- Aug. 29: Vancouver Postcard Presentation
- Aug. 30: Coquitlam Heritage Comic Buy and Trade
To learn more about Coquitlam Heritage and its activities, visit the society’s website.
