Something magical occurs when elementary students spend activity time at Crocus Villa each month, according to enthusiastic students, residents, and supervisors.

"When the kids first start coming to the Villa, we tell them, 'You are very special, you have magic in your hands. When you touch a resident, that person will respond to you. They might read a book to you if you ask,'" said Debbie Tokarz, activity co-ordinator for Villa Holdings.

"We thought it was time to tell the community about the Bridging the Gap program between seniors and young people. Students have really learned to show compassion at the Villa," she said.

The inter-generational program involves every grade at St. Dominic Savio School and Grade 6 students from Assiniboia Park Elementary School. Each class visits once per month to participate in activity time with the seniors. Tokarz prepares materials in advance so no time is wasted. The students quickly established a routine of taking off their coats and boots and escorting a senior to activities that usually involve crafts or games.

"The whole idea is to take away childrens' misconceptions of seniors at an early age so that it makes a difference in our community," said Tokarz. "Seniors often have grey hair and wrinkles and might talk differently. But by making the senior a helper and the student his or her eyes and hands, it builds self-esteem for both of them, knowing they are worth something to one another."

Lessons are learned through regular and relaxed interaction, according to Tokarz. The students from St. Dominic started coming to the Villa last August and have reached a high comfort level with the seniors.

Younger students appear to really appreciate the statement that a touch of a child's hand is medicine for the elderly. However, some students have learned lessons about life when it nears the end of its cycle.

According to Tokarz, one little girl became quite close to a resident, something that happens often. The child handled it well when the resident passed away, understanding the lesson that everything comes to an end. While the person is here they have value and are making a mark in the world. This kind of experience teaches a healthy approach to illness and death.

In return, the seniors learn to accept generational differences and simply enjoy the children. They are taking a valuable role in the community and this enhances their involvement. Mark Pachiorka, vice-principal of Assiniboia Park School, has been bringing his Grade 6 class to the Villa for the past two months.

"It's very beneficial for everyone and it's interesting to see how the kids interact with the seniors. They really like the fact that they are independent and responsible for something," said Pachiorka. "It's interesting to see how they deal with seeing the effects of old age. It was shocking for them to see someone with Alzheimers' or in a wheelchair and at first they didn't know how to react. As time went on, they learned how to try to talk to seniors and to move on if the senior didn't want to talk.

"Students enjoy the fact that seniors would talk to them and they would listen. The seniors will tell all kinds of stories and the kids aren't bored - I often have to pull the kids out of the room after an hour and a half," he said.

Those involved in the program for a longer time are just as enthusiastic. Elaine Pragnell, who teaches grades 2 and 3 at St. Dominic, said students were so happy with the program that Tokarz will be one of the local heroes in their Grassroots project to be posted on the Internet.

Grade 3 teacher Gloria Miller said students have made friends at the Villa.

"Grade 3 has really enjoyed their visits to Crocus Villa," said Miller. "They readily go and seek them [seniors] out and have a great way of coaxing their new friends to join them. I believe the biggest gain that has been made is the movement of the older people, and that all came about through tossing and batting a balloon around. Everyone has a good time."

St. Michael Junior High School is also involved with a volunteer program at Crocus Villa.

All agree that the sharing of time and talent is the highlight of the program. Those involved get the immediate warm feelings that come from giving, and the longer-term benefits of learned tolerance and volunteerism.