Our Stories

A story from Island Park resident Bob Bennett
On a Sunday afternoon late last June I decided to go for a walk in Ferris Park by the way of the suspension bridge. My wife Ann - always the keeper of the welfare of her family - asked me where I was going. And as usual said “Bob, be sure to wear your Tilley sun hat. You know it’s a very warm, sunny day.”
“Yes dear!,” I replied.

The walk took me - a 91 year old man - about 20 minutes at my fastest speed, anyone else would likely only need ten. About halfway across the bridge I got into a conversation with a group of four young men who were enjoying the view down stream. A gentle breeze tried to lift off my hat but my fast reaction saved it from blowing away. A few seconds later a stronger wind blew the hat off faster than I could stop it. All five of us watched as the hat sailed off and landed in the water about 100 yards downstream and floated upside down. I asked the young men if anyone was a good swimmer who might retrieve it. There were no takers so I was sure that I had seen the last of my hat.

For Bearbrook resident Betty and her Yorkshire Terrier Nikki, finding a truly pet-friendly retirement residence was high on the priority list. Read about Betty and Nikki's special bond, as well as the many benefits of owning a pet in retirement.

For Executive Chef Mackenzie Jones, food is what brings people together. Read about his love of cooking and bringing joy to the residents he serves.

Helen Tonus, 89, has profiled about 120 team members at Villa Da Vinci Retirement Residence in Vaughan, ON, where she lives. Helen has lived at Villa for 21 years, and began profiling team members about 10 years ago.

On February 18, Dorothy Forester celebrated her 100^th birthday at Royale Place Retirement Residence in Kingston, where she lives.

Bob first met Ann when she was only two months old — it’s a meeting he can’t remember, as he was only a month older.

Last December, Vivian Moss celebrated her 104^th birthday at Bearbrook Retirement Residence in Ottawa, ON. With her friends and family.

Residents and team members celebrated the holiday season and rang in the new year with feasts, parties, crafts, games, and more. We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed the season as much as we did. See some of the highlights below!

Each month, we’re pausing to recognize some of the outstanding team members who work with us. Thank you for the work you do each day. You are all truly heroes.

Known for her bubbly personality, Eva (Eve) Dalzell was nominated for the 2021 LEAP Award by the BC Senior Living Association in honour of the positive atmosphere she helps to create for her fellow residents at The Shores Retirement Residence in Kamloops, BC, where she lives.