Frank Kajfes Resident Champion Award

RHRA 2020 Resident Champion Award Recipient and Nominees

Each year, the RHRA’s Frank Kajfes Resident Champion Award is presented to a retirement home resident who has created a noticeable impact on the quality of life for residents through their direct actions or endeavours. We know many retirement home residents have gone to great lengths to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic and the RHRA wants to recognize their efforts.

This year, the RHRA heard a number of inspiring stories of remarkable seniors who are making a difference in the lives of fellow retirement home residents. These stories demonstrate the strength and perseverance of Ontario’s seniors and serve as a reminder that seniors are capable of making a significant impact on their communities.

Read the stories about this year’s nominees for the RHRA’s Frank Kajfes Resident Champion Award.

Elaine, RHRA’s 2020 Resident Champion Award Recipient

Meet Elaine from Beechwood Manor, this year’s winner of the RHRA Resident Champion Award. Elaine’s volunteer work has been extensive, helping at Beechwood Manor, Grand River Hospital and Hospice of Waterloo Region. As a retired nurse, she recognizes how important caring for others is and loves to assist her fellow residents. Since COVID-19 restrictions went in place, she has supported her community by sewing masks and knitting prayer blankets for those in need, reminding everyone to stay safe and hopeful.

Elaine has always been quick to lend a hand. She knows every resident at Beechwood Manor and goes out of her way to assist wherever she can. She always greets new residents when they move in and supports with Beechwood’s daily COVID-19 monitoring program by taking residents’ temperatures.

She’s a selfless leader and advocate, and deserving of this recognition.

Gilles

Meet Gilles from Country Haven Retirement Home. Since moving to Country Haven Retirement Home, Gilles has enjoyed sharing his passions with fellow residents, most notably, his love for gardening and cinema. He took it upon himself to create a veggie and flower garden on the property. All the residents enjoyed the fresh vegetables grown in the garden that has been looked after mainly by Gilles. During COVID-19, his film club helped brighten the spirits of residents and staff by playing classic movies, television programs and animated films. His selflessness and willingness to help others make him a great leader in his community.

Cristina

Meet Cristina from Metcalfe Gardens Retirement Residence. Cristina is always the first to welcome anyone new to Metcalfe Gardens and makes a point to say “good morning” to everyone she meets. Having built wonderful memories at the residence herself, she is committed to helping others, especially those that may require more assistance. Whether helping those during mealtime or going for walks, she is there to support her fellow residents in any way she can. Metcalfe Gardens recognizes Cristina’s leadership and is grateful to have her smile brightening their residence.

Bob

Meet Bob from Stirling Park Retirement Community. Bob’s valuable contributions to his community have been impactful for residents and staff, bringing beauty and kindness to the retirement home. Since moving to Stirling Park in 2017, he has constantly expressed his gratitude for staff, and most notably, started the Staff Appreciation Fund. Aside from showing appreciation to staff, his list of contributions includes, organizing lavish dinner events and ordering bouquets of flowers for residents celebrating special occasions such as anniversaries and milestone birthdays. He is a caring member of his community and has a way of making everyone feel recognized and important. His smile and tears of joy spread warmth with to all who spend time with him.

Ivan

Meet Ivan from The Meadows of Wheatley. Ivan is passionate about making The Meadows of Wheatley a welcoming and joyous space, always finding new ways to contribute. Described as kind and generous, he loves to give back, donating both time and money. Most recently, he took over teaching the exercise classes during the COVID-19 lockdown, encouraging his fellow residents to keep moving and stay active. Ivan is very humble about his contributions to support others, but he is an example to his fellow residents and his community is proud to have him as a leader.

Eileen

Meet Eileen from Delmanor Northtown. Eileen is an inspiring, caring leader, who loves to give back to the Delmanor Northtown community. Most notably, she worked diligently with fellow residents to create a beautiful garden, planting over 200 flowers, bushes and trees on the retirement home’s two terraces. The project was impactful to the community, providing an escape for residents and staff during COVID-19. It is a place of serenity amidst the chaos of the pandemic. Eileen used her talents, her impeccable work ethic and leadership skills to bring beauty, a sense of hope and life into her community. She is not only a talented gardener, but a thoughtful leader.

Pam & Andy

Meet Pam & Andy from The Elden of Bradford. Throughout their time at The Elden of Bradford, Pam and Andy have dedicated themselves to furthering the welcoming and positive culture at the residence. Whether volunteering to help distribute the daily newsletter or assisting with exercise classes, they are enthusiastic and positive in everything they do. Their willingness to help others, especially during COVID-19, has not gone unnoticed. Having both started walking clubs with fellow residents, they encourage others to stay active and enjoy each others company. These clubs, activities and general acts of kindness have created a sense of community for residents, particularly when feelings of loneliness have been prevalent.

Lise

Meet Lise from The Palace Retirement Community. Lise is dedicated to helping her community at The Palace in any way she can. From taking care of the garden to calling the game of Bingo to assisting staff with setting up for activities, she enjoys being involved. Her passion for helping others carries back to her childhood. Lise supports her fellow residents with everything from puzzles, word searches and even running errands. She is an active member of her community and is always eager to take on more responsibility.

Ray

Meet Ray from RVilla Retirement Living. Ray’s commitment to kindness has made a lasting impact at RVilla, with his community feeling supported and appreciated by his actions. He’s a hard worker and always one of the first to volunteer to help. His gestures of holding doors or pouring coffee may be small to others but are significant to his fellow residents and staff. His generosity and positivity make his community proud to have him as a leader and friend.

Honour a remarkable senior in your life for their contributions by nominating them for RHRA’s Frank Kajfes Resident Champion Award.