When generations come together to make a difference in their community, everyone benefits. In a context of declining volunteer participation and increased demand for many of the services charitable organizations provide, intergenerational volunteerism between youth and seniors presents an opportunity to boost engagement in volunteering, foster connections and harness each generation’s unique skills.

Over the course of three meetings, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities heard from organizations that recruit volunteers, or that promote and advance volunteerism, about ways that the federal government can encourage intergenerational volunteerism between youth and seniors.

Through oral and written testimony, witnesses told the committee about the benefits of intergenerational volunteering experiences. They also shared information on the barriers facing prospective volunteers, as well as organizations that provide these experiences. In this report, the committee summarizes key testimony it received and makes recommendations to the federal government on how it can better facilitate intergenerational volunteering in Canada, including through the development of a national volunteer action strategy, data, investment in intergenerational volunteering through new or existing programming, support for volunteers and awareness.