INNISFAIL – Students, seniors and other members of the community partnered together to raise awareness about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The second annual Walk the Talk event took place in the gym at Innisfail Middle School on June 14.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held each year on June 15.
“We’re trying to make (the event) intergenerational. I think those are always important links to make between the generations. It helps build respect and understanding,” said Allyssa Bremner, community facilitator for the Town of Innisfail.
Participants were encouraged to wear the colour purple.
“Purple is the awareness colour for abuse,” she added, noting more involvement in the event this year.
“It’s pretty similar to last year’s (event), except this year we have one class from each of the schools. Last year we just had the elementary school participate,” she said, noting classes from Innisfail Middle School (Grade 7) , Innisfail High School (Grade 10), École John Wilson Elementary School (Grade 4) and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School (Grade 5).
As the students and adults walked together they shared icebreaker questions and learned about elder abuse through information provided, said Bremner.
“We have a list of icebreaker questions they can ask each other along the walk,” she said. “Some are fun questions and some are more serious, (like those) related to bullying and what you would do in those instances. We also have wristbands here for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On the inside of the wristband is the family violence information line,” she added.
Joining students on June 14 was Innisfail mayor Jim Romane, Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson -- the detachment's school resource officer, several Innisfail community peace officers, Innisfail fire Chief Gary Leith, several teachers and parents, and numerous FCSS personnel from outlying communities, including Penhold, Bowden, Spruce View and Springbrook.
Mike Walsh, a Grade 7 teacher at Innisfail Middle School, had his class participating in the event for the first time.
“It’s important for the kids to break through some of those stereotypes that they may have about seniors and the elderly and (vice versa) as well,” said Walsh. “It’s a good opportunity (for generations) to support each other.”
