While most grandchildren do not need a specific day to honour their beloved grandparents, Marion McQuade, a devoted granddaughter from West Virginia, created what is currently known as National Grandparents Day.
For over four decades, National Grandparents Day has been celebrated in Canada and the US in an effort to evade loneliness–a major fear and stress impacting older adults as they age and one of the many reasons McQuade wanted this day on the national calendar. More importantly, this special day encourages grandchildren to spend time with their grandparents (if possible) to learn about their treasured values and heritage.
Come out and celebrate Grandparents Day with CARP this Sunday, September 8th at High Park Zoo! The CARP Tent will be set up from 11:00AM-3:00PM so be sure to stop by and say hello to CARP National Staff and Downtown Toronto’s Chapter Chair, Adina Lebo!
You can also participate in the following great activities in and around High Park!
GRANDPARENTS DAY WALK: Leaving at 10:30AM from the benches south of the Grenadier, an informative walk past the Children’s Garden, into Colborne Lodge for refreshment, walk continues to the Zoo, the Llama Pen has many extra activities to enjoy. All participants will receive a free refreshment coupon for the Grenadier Café or Sunnyside Restaurant. Suggested donation $5.00 per adult
FUN AT THE ZOO: Visit the Llama Pen from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm for special Grandparents Day activities: Fire Truck, Storyteller, Silent Auction, Children’s Raffle, Redpath Sugar Truck and giveaways
COLBORNE LODGE: In honour of Grandparents Day, Colborne Lodge is offering free admission to two seniors, accompanied by a child or youth 4 to 18 years old paying regular admission. Open 12-5pm
Other ways to honour this day if you can’t make it to High Park/ if you are not in Toronto:
- Make a card
- Call (if distance is an issue)
- Go for tea/ lunch
- Go to the movies
- Go to the park