Difference Makers - Grandparents Day Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 16, 2024

CONTACT:
[email protected]

Grandparents Day: A Time for Celebration—And Reflection on the Hidden Epidemic of Grandparent Alienation

Canada—As families across the country gather on September 8th to celebrate Grandparents Day, many will experience the joy, laughter, and love that comes from spending time with their children and grandchildren. However, for a growing number of Canadian grandparents, this day serves as a painful reminder of what they’ve lost—estranged and alienated from their own families, many will be spending this day alone, longing for reconciliation.

The ‘Difference Makers’, a group of alienated and estranged grandparents in Canada, is using this occasion to draw attention to the silent epidemic of grandparent alienation. This phenomenon, marked by adult children severing ties and restricting access to grandchildren, has far-reaching consequences that often go unnoticed in society.

“Our mission is to shed light on the impact of grandparent alienation and to advocate for the establishment of relevant and current Canadian data on this issue,” said a spokesperson for the Difference Makers. “We also aim to promote awareness and understanding within the mental health and medical communities, and to foster increased societal awareness of the effects this estrangement has—not just on grandparents, but on the grandchildren as well.”

For many of these grandparents, the desire to be reunited with their families is all-consuming. The pain of being cut off from their grandchildren can lead to severe emotional distress, including depression and even self-harm. The consequences of this estrangement ripple outward, affecting not just the grandparents but also the grandchildren, who are deprived of the love and wisdom that grandparents uniquely provide.

“It’s time for this hidden epidemic to be brought out of the shadows,” the spokesperson continued. “There are countless grandparents suffering in silence, ashamed to admit they’ve been shunned by their own children. But they are not alone. On this day dedicated to celebrating the value of grandparents, we must also remember those who are hurting and advocate for their right to maintain relationships with their grandchildren.”

The Difference Makers encourage those who are struggling with grandparent alienation to seek support. Alienated Grandparents Anonymous (AGA) Alberta offers confidential peer support for alienated and estranged grandparents across Canada. Meetings are held privately over Zoom, providing a safe space for grandparents to share their experiences and find comfort in community. More information can be found at www.AGAOttawa.weebly.com.

As we celebrate Grandparents Day, let us not forget the growing number of grandparents who are longing for reconnection and healing. It is time for society to recognize the profound impact of grandparent alienation and take steps to address this urgent issue.

About The Difference Makers
The Difference Makers is a collective of alienated and estranged grandparents in Canada committed to raising awareness about grandparent alienation and advocating for the mental health and well-being of affected families. Through education, outreach, and support, we strive to bring this hidden epidemic into the public eye and work towards positive change.

For more information, please contact:
[email protected]