9th annual Intergenerational Gala this Sunday

The Intergenerational Gala has become a rite of spring for medical and dental students from Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. The event matches students up with "dates" from the Grand Wood Park Retirement Residence for an evening of music, dancing and dining, mixed in with lessons on life. The 9th annual Gala will be held on Sunday, April 28^th at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, starting at 5:00 p.m.

A student's perspective:

For students, the Intergenerational Gala is a fun evening where we can spend time with an elderly member of society. It is always a pleasure to hear the stories of an individual who has lived three times as long as us! Last year was incredible - my date told me stories about all the jobs she had, what life was like during the war, how she was able to see technology develop over the many years. It is a unique way to learn about the potential 90 years has! I hope I will be able to live as fulfilling a life as my date.

From a more educational perspective, it is essential for future physicians to interact with individuals outside our own "culture" and that "culture" includes age! Students occasionally worry that they will have trouble relating to older individuals and wonder "what to talk to them about". The Intergenerational Gala allows us to see that the residents of Grand Wood Park are just like us! They have diverse lives and interests, and there is much more in common than one might think.

-Sonika Kainth, 2012 Gala attendee and is one of the organizers of the 2013 Gala

A senior's perspective:

The students are wonderful company. It is a pleasure getting to know the bright young individuals who will be the future doctors of our province. They are so easy to talk to and I would say that our future is in good hands. Over all it is a very enjoyable evening!

-Marjorie Cusack, 2012 Gala attendee and resident at the Grand Wood Park Retirement Residence

The Gala is organized by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry students. Music is provided by the Schulich Choir and the Schulich Orchestra, and there is a special performance by "Nostalgia Theatre."