SURREY — A video project in Surrey aims to bring youth and seniors who share similarities together to help new bonds be made.
The "What Generation Gap?" project was created in partnership between the Surrey's parks and rec department, the school district's Safe Schools department and a local production company, Tell Your Story Productions Inc.
The initiative was inspired by Tell Your Story owner Mangla Bansal's longtime friendship with now 104-year-old Kay Charter. The two met through a newspaper article about Bansal, who was 17 at the time.
Bansal and Charter became pen pals, then began meeting for lunches and a friendship was formed. Both have seen the benefit of such a friendship, and the video project's goal is to foster similar bonds here in Surrey.
Ten to 12 local youth between the ages of 15 and 18 will be selected to take part and will be "strategically" paired with a senior.
The youth will make two videos - one sharing their own story (filmed during spring break) and a second sharing the story of the senior who they're paired throughout the summer.
The final films will be shown at a gala open to the public and media on July 23 at Surrey Arts Centre.
Applications for youth - which must be submitted by a Surrey teacher, administrator or counsellor - will be accepted until Feb. 28, with application for seniors accepting beginning in April.
A behind-the-scenes documentary will also be filmed as part of the project.
The project is still in need of $20,000. To donate, or to become a sponsor, visit Whatgenerationgap.com.
All films will be available for free on TELUS Optik Local TV on Demand and on the project's website.