Frank Kajfes Resident Champion Award

RHRA 2021 Resident Champion Award Recipient and Nominees

RHRA’s Frank Kajfes Resident Champion Award is presented to a retirement home resident who has demonstrated a noticeable impact on the quality of life for residents through their direct actions or endeavours. They are truly inspiring and serve as a reminder of the meaningful impact seniors have on their communities each and every day.

This year, the RHRA received an unprecedented amount of nominees, with 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.

Ron Fox, RHRA’s 2021 Resident Champion Award Recipient

Meet Ron, this year’s Resident Champion. Ron is no stranger to bringing joy to his fellow residents. Since joining Quinte Gardens, Ron has taken it upon himself to organize multiple annual events for his fellow residents, including a Miniature Christmas Village and annual duck hatching program. The duck hatching program spearheaded by Ron is where he procures, cares for, and re-homes ducks on an annual basis. To the delight of his fellow residents, they get to watch them grow first hand in a dedicated common space in their home and one that is truly an emotional impact on our resident’ lives. The second annual event that Ron facilitates is our Miniature Christmas Village and Train display. This 18×12 foot display is a stunning winter wonderland featuring moveable scenery, redesigned local landmarks, and beautiful model trains. Both programs are locally admired, as media outlets cover these attractions in a feature article on an annual basis. Ron has been described as an integral and impactful resident, and one that embodies what it means to be a Resident Champion. Congratulations, Ron!

Georgette Gauvreau and Germaine Boaglio

Georgette Gauvreau and her sister Germaine Boaglio have been residents of Bowmanville Creek Retirement Community for several years. In that time, they have built quite the name for themselves both within their home and their broader communities through organizing multiple initiatives and putting their passion for knitting and quilting to work. They have made countless “Comfort Quilts” for fellow residents and others battling cancer and dealing with difficult hospital stays. They have organized the making of “Fidget Muffs”, making bundles for people with suffering from Alzheimer’s. During the pandemic, the sisters rallied fellow residents together to sew masks for residents and staff. They also knit dolls to donate to Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC), an organization that improves the health and well-being of more than one million people around the world every year. The dolls are put into Humanitarian Medical Kits to be distributed all over the world to children by health professionals. They have also knitted countless hats, scarves, mitts, blankets and other items for Bethesda House, a non-profit that works to help people in need because of domestic violence.

Adeline Turcotte

Adeline has been described as a wonderful woman and a joy to be around. She pays attention to every detail of her surroundings and her main objective is to always ensure that residents are happy and enjoying their time living/visiting at Ravines Senior Suites and Retirement Living. Adeline is often asked to greet new potential residents during tours and she is always willing to explain her experience while living at Ravines. If an issue occurs during an activity, or someone may be upset during meal service, Adeline will quickly identify the problem and intervene in a way to promote a positive experience and solution. She looks out for the well-being of her peers and she is very appreciative and calm in nature. If a new resident looks lost and cannot find their way, Adeline is glad to help and point them in the right direction. If you cannot find Adeline in the pool or virtually painting with her grandchildren, that’s because she is also busy serving as the Vice President of Ravines Senior Suites Resident Council.

Jacqueline Dionne

Jacqueline quickly made a wonderful impression on staff and fellow residents upon joining LaSalle Park in 2019. After 25 years of volunteer service with her church, retiring only a few weeks before moving into her retirement home, Jacqueline continues her service of others by giving back to her community in small yet  meaningful ways. Jacqueline can be found all around the building cleaning. Jacqueline takes pleasure and pride in polishing furniture daily, cleaning windows, and even readying the teacups for high tea. Jacqueline genuinely enjoys contributing to her home and helping others without asking for anything in return. Though just cleaning, those around her say it’s the dedication, diligence, and care that she puts into her work that makes her remarkable. She is always smiling, laughing and truly cheerful, which is another part of the way that she gives back to others, simply but spreading joy.

Bonnie Quinlan

During the pandemic, and despite her own health conditions, Bonnie has made it her mission to bring happiness to everyone around her. Putting her needs aside, Bonnie has been an extremely positive part of the community during a time where there was so much uncertainty. Bonnie is an avid knitter and loves to use this talent to brighten the day of everyone around her. Some of the things that Bonnie has made for others include; knitted poppy pins for Remembrance Day, mask extenders for staff and residents, figure skate pins for Christmas, as well as made seasonal flower arrangements for the front entrance for all to enjoy. Bonnie is always the first to acknowledge the hard work and dedication staff has shown to keep residents safe. She also has a very special spot in her heart for residents with cognitive impairment. She has shown this love through making fidget sleeves for all residents on Memory Care at her home Seasons Royal Oak Village. Bonnie’s contributions are endless, from purchasing bird feeders and bird feed for all to use and enjoy to taking the lead on organizing a women’s group of residents, her initiative, creativity and tact for bringing people together is evident. Residents most recently were proud to see their old jewelry repurposed by Bonnie to create a special piece of artwork: a butterfly. This unique art piece is still on display for everyone to enjoy.

Marlene Dafoe

Marlene has been described as an advocate for seniors. From the time Marlene joined her retirement community, she asked what she could do to make a difference. She has since become her home’s “Life Transitions Ambassador”, where she greets new residents one-on-one in the comfort of their suites and lends a supportive shoulder during this transitional time in senior’s lives. She advocates for residents who are too timid to express their feelings, and she is involved in both volunteer work as well as taking the lead on Scarborough Retirement Residence’s Pen Pal Program. Marlene was an elementary school teacher for 38 years and a passionate member of an association for children with learning disabilities. Marlene felt a true connection with special needs students from a local middle school in the community and have helped pair seniors with students that have common interests. Marlene is a teacher, a friend, an advocate and a fellow resident who calls SRR her home and staff and residents her friends.

Gwen Flemming

Gwen Fleming moved into the Kingsway Retirement Home in January of 2019. A woman of many talents, Gwen’s love of music was evident from the young age of 5 years old. For many years she taught both piano and organ to hundreds of children and adults in Etobicoke. Her passion for sharing her love of music with others has continued throughout her life. Gwen brought her baby grand piano with her when she moved into the Kingsway, and it lives in their main floor dining room. Gwen began playing during meal service and was a constant fixture at her piano, residents made requests and would look forward to seeing and hearing her play. Unfortunately, in August of 2020, after Gwen had suffered from a series of health-related setbacks, a decision was made that she would be best supported on the memory care floor. When Gwen transitioned to her new environment, she took her gift of music with her. It has been described as a wonderful experience to witness the joy and responses of those who can no longer speak or communicate well, their faces suddenly lighting up, their feet tapping and singing comfortingly familiar songs. Those around her say you can feel the energy in the room shift palpably when Gwen plays. Her musical talent serves not only to guide her through difficult days as she moves through her own dementia journey, but to raise spirits and breathe life and hope into those around her who are all in very different stages of their own life’s journey.

Maryan Tisdale

Maryan Tisdale has been a vibrant resident of Walden Circle Retirement Community for 7 years. Throughout her years at Walden, Maryan has been a dedicated advocate for charitable work. She has taken her skill for knitting and put it to work by making baby sets that include a sweater, hat and booties. She also makes unique pressed flower cards where no two cards are the same. Although knitting and card making are her enjoyed hobbies, a few times a year Maryan sells her baby sets and pressed flower cards to other residents and the staff. All the proceeds she makes from these sales are donated to SMILE Canada and MSF (Doctors Without Borders). Maryan has knitted so many baby sets, that she also donates several sets to the Credit Valley Hospital NICU. On top of being busy knitting and pressing flowers for the community, Maryan along with another resident take care and manage the community indoor garden room and outdoor garden. Maryan has been described as the epitome of a vibrant and caring community member.

Donna Gordan-Tennant

Donna is 75 years old and an accomplished artist in her own right. She has been drawing and painting since she was 15 years old in Jamaica. Early last year, Donna wanted to use her talents to start a Beginner’s Art class for residents. Together with staff, Donna has been teaching art to residents using a variety of mediums. Staff have seen residents in their 80’s and 90’s who have never picked up a paintbrush take part in the classes and others who enjoyed art when younger now able to paint again. Donna has always believed you are never too old to discover a talent. Staff have said they see the impact of Donna’s work in the eyes of the residents who are proud of their achievements and the admiration of other residents and staff who enjoy the art on their wall. Despite several of her own health issues, Donna continues to stay passionate and keep a positive and cheerful attitude. During the pandemic, Donna has drawn several pieces of window art with positive messages to let families know through art that the residents were doing fine and happy. She continues to inspire and empower others by helping then express themselves and increase their feelings of self-worth and confidence through art.

Ingeborg “Inge” Weidman

Inge has been described as an integral part of her community. She has been a resident ambassador for many years, and is always going out of her way to make sure she introduces herself to every new resident and lets them know they can come to her without hesitation. Inge and her husband immigrated to Canada in 1960 and celebrated 60th anniversary before he passed away last fall. Every morning Inge starts her day by collecting the London Free Press newspaper and delivering it throughout the home to others who also subscribe. She often can be seen in the winter brushing snow off the cars belonging to other residents or staff. She will go out of her way to help anyone, including escorting residents to the dining room, finding a spot to sit, or encouraging new activities/events to stay active. Inge is an avid gardener and helps around the grounds of her home, planting herbs that are featured in the kitchen meals. During the winter months around Christmas, she loves to take care of the many poinsettias  on display. She gives back to her community regularly, and even runs her very own Milk Bag Mat initiative at her home. To date, the Milk Mag Bat program has donated well over 300 mats to both those in third world countries and local homeless shelters.

John Gruszka

John has been described as a wonderful resident who puts a smile on everyone’s face whenever paths cross. He is a man of few words, and a history enthusiast who enjoys showing off his immense collection of artifacts, clippings and photographs.

John spent two years of his life in a Russian labour camp. After many months of imprisonment, John was eventually enlisted into the Polish Forces under British command and sent to the war front in Italy.  In Monte Cassino, John was injured by a sniper and was rescued by medics, spending some time in a field hospital. John immigrated to Canada in 1947, where he married and had three children. After the passing of his wife, John moved into Traditions of Durham in the spring of 2019.

John fills his residence with beautiful poetry, recounting world events, special occasions and even occurrences in the residence. John also maintains the main patio garden and enjoys speaking to any and all about his experiences and knowledge of varying historical events.

Norma Fitzgerald

Norma joined Tapestry at Village Gate West on December 30th, 2012. From her first day in the community, Norma has been recognized for her warmth and compassion, her thoughtful and caring personality, and for the many talents she shares with the community that enrich the lives of all residents and employees. Norma has taken it upon herself to dine with a different resident each night of the week. This small, but significant gesture helps to ensure that no resident dines alone and that newcomers have the opportunity to meet another resident who has been a long-time member of the community. Norma’s commitment to building community is also evident in the leadership she demonstrates as a member of Tapestry at Village Gate West. As the facilitator of a “Life Stories” Program, Norma invites residents to participate in a regular meetings that encourages residents to share their life stories, including their past and present passions and interests. This special program helps foster a strong community bond as participating residents strengthen their relationships and get to know one another on a meaningful level. As facilitator, Norma is a model of sharing and always generous with her feedback and support. A musician and pianist, Norma shared her significant musical talents by playing the piano three times a week (prior to the pandemic) in the community’s restaurant. She attracted a significant crowd by creating memorable moments for residents to reminisce about old songs and sing along with her. Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, Norma has made the effort to continue playing for the community. Her generous sharing of her time and talent have not gone unnoticed by the residents and employees as she is constantly praised and given song requests highlighting how important she has become to the community.

Olga Clarke

Olga Clarke has been a resident of Southbrook Retirement Residence for the last four years. Olga takes on a very nurturing role at Southbrook.  She makes it her duty to ensure that all residents, staff and visitors are informed, comfortable and taken care of.  She notices the small things and will bring to the attention of appropriate staff anything from another resident needing assistance, to ensuring that people are aware of the activities going on around the home. She can be counted on to welcome new residents and make them feel right at home and will gladly take your empty cup for you! Olga continues to be an active member of her church, even at a distance, and helps obtain signatures to advocate for programs like supporting clean drinking water in third world countries. She never misses an opportunity to tell the staff what a great job they are doing and always has kind words to offer, especially when they needed to hear it the most, during the pandemic. Olga is described as a ray of sunshine and brings a calm and serene energy to everyone around her.

Francine Mesdag

Francine Mesdag has called Chartwell Whispering Pines Retirement Residence her home since 2014. Since she has moved in, she has been a tremendous example of an altruistic resident. She is kind, generous, and is always willing to take initiative in her home. When Francine moved in, she took up the initiative to make the mats for Canadians experiencing homelessness, countries who have experienced natural disasters, and refugees. Francine has spent many hours over the last 7 years cutting the bags into strips, tying them together, and weaving the pieces to form a completed mat. Over the years, Francine has spent more than 3000 hours creating mats for those who need it most. Francine’s hard work is not only impressive but is a selfless act that has an international impact. In April, Francine made 14 mats to be shipped to St. Vincent Island, where a volcano erupted leaving many of its residents homeless and without crops. Her hard work helped to provide those who have lost their homes somewhere to sleep. When Francine is not making mats, she is attending all activities, welcoming new residents, and organizing religious ceremonies for her fellow residents.

Joanne Murphy

Meet Joanne Murphy. She has been described as a truly wonderful lady and has grown within her community at Chartwell Avondale. Joanne is someone who enjoys stimulating conversations and loves a challenge. Joanne is an artist, using primarily watercolor paint. In September 2020 when activities were still ongoing in common areas, Joanne took it upon herself to run a watercolor painting class for her fellow residents. Joanne has experience teaching residents with dementia and other cognitive impairments, and she demonstrates patience and care with everyone. Joanne is still an active painter and has local art galleries/shops interested in her work. Joanne is selfless, so much so that she committed to contributing an art mural to Avondale as well as donated a few of her own paintings for display around the building to brighten up her community. Joanne says, “my inspiration comes from two main sources. The first is the visual spectrum and movement. The second is emotion.”

Sneih Charan

Sneih is so enthusiastic about everything and is always willing to teach or learn something new. Her background comes from performing theatre in Hawaii in her early years. She loves showing her fellow residents her scrap books on theatre production including cast pictures, names, and pieces of material made out of the costumes/dresses they used. She is an all around vibrant and talented woman that residents and staff look up to in many ways. Her community enjoys her comradery and her willingness to help her fellow residents and staff in anyway she can.

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