The Vancouver Sparking Change Senior Champions program offers Metro Vancouver seniors training and support to organize fun park activities, fostering social connections and physical activity among elders in their local parks and green spaces.

The Application for the 2024 Vancouver Sparking Change Senior Champions program is closed.

This year, become a Vancouver Sparking Change Senior Champion and make a positive impact in your community! 

We're seeking 8 seniors (60+) who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), members of the LGBTQ+ community, or individuals with disabilities to lead a series of four or more events in Metro Vancouver’s park or green spaces from July 22, 2024, to January 31, 2025.

As a champion, you'll receive:

  • A $600 honorarium  
  • Three comprehensive training workshops
  • Access to resources
  • Mentorship from a previous senior champion
  • Ongoing support from the Park People team
  • Seed funding towards materials, guest speakers, or refreshments for your park events
Walk in the park 2022-2 Read the Q&A Meet the 2023 Champions

Key Dates for the 2024 program

  • Applications Open: Monday, May 13, 2024
  • Online Drop-in Information Sessions (No registration required):
    • Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 10:30 am PDT
    • Monday, June 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm PDT
  • Phone or Online Interviews: Ongoing from May 13 to June 26, 2024
  • Applications Close: June 17, 2024
  • Notification to successful champions: End of June
  • Mandatory Training sessions:
    • First week of July: Online pre-recorded session and reading materials - half-day
    • Second week of July: Park activity demonstration led by previous champions - half-day
    • Third week of July: In-person training - One day
  • Activities hosted between July 22, 2024, and January 31, 2025
  • Post-event evaluations are due after each event or by  February 14, 2025.

For questions, read our Q&A or contact Joy at jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca.

Read the Q&A

Contact us

 

Help us spread the word

If you're part of an organization working with seniors, please reach out! Park People can organize an in-person information session between May 13 and May 23, 2024.

Email Joy at jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca for more information.

 

Meet the 2023 Champions

In 2023, Vancouver Sparking Change Senior Champions led a series of engaging events across various Vancouver parks. Hear from participants about their enriching experiences with the program.

I learned a lot. I appreciated our parks. I had the chance to meet a few acquaintances and make friends along the way. I would do it again in a heartbeat.” Ramola Naido, Champion 2023 – 2024

 

2023 Champions

 

 

Made possible by the generous support of the Government of Canada within its New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), and the SM Blair Foundation.