In celebration of Seniors Month, two local organizations are teaming up to highlight the talents and wisdom of elders in the Windsor-Essex community.

WEtech Alliance and Schlegel Villages have joined forces to show there are real life senior interns like Ben Whittaker in the 2015 American comedy film “The Intern”.

“Traditionally, the position of “intern” is associated with a college-aged “Traditionally, the position of “intern” is associated with a college-aged student looking for experience to write on their resume; however, it is never too late to learn new skills” said Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WEtech Alliance. “This is a great opportunity for our organization to pledge to honour the wisdom of our oldest citizens and build our community’s wisdom bank.”

With the support of the Schlegel Village team, WEtech has successfully recruited its first senior intern, Barry Hickling.

Since learning about the position, Hickling is already eager to get started.

Schlegel Villages is a Canadian owned and operated company that manages quality long-term care and retirement Villages across Ontario. In 2016, Schlegel began a campaign to end ageism in communities by highlighting the wisdom and talents of seniors all while using the #ElderWisdom tag on social media.

“Celebrating and highlighting the wisdom of our elders is one of the most important ways we can combat ageism in our society” said Felicia Laramie, project coordinator for Elder Wisdom at Schlegel Villages. “The annual campaign hosted in June helps tackle this important issue”.

The paid internship will take place throughout the month of June. Hickling plans to join WEtech Alliance‘s regular Zoom team meetings with the support of the Schlegel Village team.

“Our team is excited to meet Mr Hickling. We are eager to learn more about “O“Our team is excited to meet Mr. Hickling. We are eager to learn more about his career path along with the importance of technology for seniors especially throughout this pandemic” said Pilon. “We believe in surrounding ourselves with people of all ages and know that sharing wisdom between each other, can be mutually beneficial. Experience never gets old”.

Throughout the month of June, residents from Schlegel Villages will share their #ElderWisdom digitally through stories from the Green Bench videos and via LIVE Facebook events on Tuesdays.

For more information on annual Schlegel Villages #ElderWisdom campaign, visit www.elderwisdom.ca or follow along on social media at #ElderWisdom.