It is impossible to quantify the immeasurable benefit of respect, understanding and breaking down of stereotypes for all participants. The greatest benefit of the Oral History Project cannot be measured in revenue or "products" but in the hearts and minds of the participants.

While the students were eager and willing to share with us how much they enjoyed the Oral History Project, many seniors said they were "speechless" in trying to describe their feelings of inclusion and connection with the younger generation.

Many stereotypes were broken - both of the "boring senior" and the "wild kids". All participants were pleasantly surprised at how easily the students fell into conversation with their senior "partners".

Many students discovered they shared similar backgrounds, languages and interests with the seniors, and several students took the senior's addresses to correspond with them over the summer.

Students were asked what their "favourite part" of the project was, or what they learned and many listed the experience of learning first-hand about a different culture or community, while at the same time discovering many similarities between ages and cultures.

Sarkis Assadourian, M.P., Brampton Centre-Ottawa Report, Winter 1999

"The Peel Heritage Complex Oral History Project will benefit the entire community. Historical recollections and observations of our seniors will be recorded and made available for research and education creating a lasting legacy of our communities' history. It is wonderful that our past and our future can be linked in this way in celebration of the coming Millennium."

Sarkis Assadourian, M.P., Letter dated June 8, 2000

"The sharing of memories between our seniors and youth is an exercise that benefits all society. Our seniors share with our children an understanding of their history and the children share their optimism and creativity for the future. Please accept my sincere congratulations on building bridges between the generations and helping to preserve our local history. I am proud to honour your accomplishments and what they mean to the people of Brampton."

Murray Calder, M.P., Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, Letter dated June 21, 2000

"Chronicling history through our senior citizens is a wonderful way to view historic events through personal stories and perspectives. Seniors play an important role in Canadian families and communities. A project that bridges the generations and brings students and seniors together is an extremely worthwhile endeavour. The information compiled by the students during their interviews with the seniors will be of infinite value to both present and future generations."

David Tilson, M.P.P., Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, phoned to offer his congratulations.

Caledon Mayor Carol Seglins, and Ward 5 Councillor Chris Harker attended the celebration at The Davis Centre with Holy Family School.