Aria Schifman is RHRA’s 2024 Resident Champion Award Recipient
Aria made the bold move from Montreal to V!VA Thornhill Woods nearly two years ago, not knowing anyone in the community. Shortly after arriving to the retirement residence, he immediately made many friends and has been contributing to making the community happier and more inclusive for his fellow residents. Aria is currently the President of V!VA Thornhill Woods’ Community Council and is part of the Java Mentorship program, welcoming new people to the community, as well as engaging with people who feel isolated or lonely in the community. Many years ago, Aria was diagnosed with degenerative MS (multiple sclerosis); however, he does not let it slow him down. Especially when it comes to thinking of and doing for others in the community. Aria is eager to make sure others are having a great day. At meal times, you can find Aria making his rounds making sure that members of the community have someone to sit and converse with. Aria runs and organizes a weekly resident community program called “V!VA Voices” where he works with community members or their family who have a story to tell or talent/expertise to show. For example, Aria invited a daughter of a fellow community member who is a practicing nurse and teacher who spoke about different types of cognitive impairment affect older adults. Through these efforts, Ari is already a seen as a champion by those at V!VA Thornhill Woods.
Hilda Billing
Hilda Billing is a cherished resident of the Chartwell Regency Retirement Residence community. In the nine months that has been a resident, she has exemplified the spirit of kindness and friendship. A few months ago, one of Hilda’s fellow residents experienced a profound loss when her husband passed away. During this challenging time, Hilda stepped forward with remarkable empathy and compassion. Hilda made it her mission to ensure that the grieving resident never felt alone. She began inviting her for morning walks, providing a gentle nudge to start the day with fresh air and a comforting presence. Hilda also made sure to sit with her fellow resident during meals, offering companionship and a listening ear when it was needed most. Beyond these daily gestures, Hilda encouraged her fellow resident to participate in various outings and programs, helping her rediscover moments of joy and connection. Hilda’s unwavering support became a beacon of hope, helping her friend navigate a difficult path of grief with grace and resilience. Hilda’s selflessness and genuine care for others are truly inspiring. She fosters an environment where compassion and friendship flourish.
Joyce Gratton
Joyce Gratton joined Ashwood Manor in April of 2022 and can be described as someone who brightens up every room she walks into. With her long-term care background, she’s exemplified a positive drive and passion throughout the home. Joyce makes an effort to meet all the new incoming residents at Ashwood Manor and waits until the evening of admission day to quietly knock on the door and introduce herself to them. She eagerly and readily shares all the activities, the expertise of the staff and the simple items such as where the coffee and snacks are located. On quiet days, when residents are enjoying a good movie in the library, Joyce makes a bag of popcorn before distributing the bowls to the residents. When it comes to staff interaction, Joyce is always wishing them a wonderful weekend, great vacation, a good evening or just enjoy the day. Joyce’s compassion, understanding, and love of life has led to her success in life.
Marjorie Kennedy
Marjorie Kennedy has been a resident at V!VA Barrhaven Retirement Community since November of 2018. Since becoming a part of the community, Marjorie has shown exceptional dedication and commitment to V!VA Barrhaven, particularly as their Master Gardener of their Victory Gardens. On a daily basis, Marjorie proves to be an invaluable asset to the community, going above and beyond to ensure the Victory Gardens thrives and flourishes. Her daily effort assisting and educating fellow community members and team members on how to care and nurture their garden during growing season is truly remarkable. Marjorie’s selfless commitment during the winter season is equally as impressive as she has become a beacon of hope for those who bring their plants to the homes’ horticultural room for some tender, loving care. As our Master Gardener, Marjorie has brought joy, beauty and a sense of accomplishment to V!VA Barrhaven. Marjorie’s tireless efforts have created a sense of community and purpose and for that we are eternally grateful.
Helen-Mae Lawrie
Helen-Mae’s journey to Caressant Care Home paints a picture of resilience and purpose. Despite her initial uncertainty, she packed her PSW uniform, showing a readiness to contribute to her new community. The encounter Helen-Mae had with her neighbor, who was diagnosed with advanced dementia, seems serendipitous as she seamlessly transitioned into a role where her skills and compassion shine. Her dedication to her neighbour’s well-being is evident in the way she accompanies her to meals and activities, providing not just physical support but also emotional understanding of their needs and a genuine desire to make them feel safe and happy. Helen-Mae’s patience and grace in handling repetitive questions, a common challenge in dementia care, is truly remarkable. Instead of frustration, she responds with kindness and understanding, embodying the spirit of empathy that is essential to such roles. Additionally, her eagerness to share her knowledge and expertise with fellow residents speaks volumes to her commitment to improving the quality of care for everyone in the home. Through teaching others about dementia and effective communication strategies, Helen-Mae is fostering a culture of learning and compassion within the facility. She truly exemplifies the values of empathy, kindness, and service that define the essence of caregiving.
Marlene Mclean
Marlene Mclean is an active volunteer, dedicating her time to run activities such as bingo, painting and crafts for her fellow residents. She is very talented in the art’s and has given her own time to run the arts and crafts program for residents, encouraging and supporting them in making various crafts and in painting. Marlene encourages the residents to do what they can and feel good about what they make. Marlene is the current president of their Resident Council and has been for the past two years. As the Resident Council president, she has advocated for a coffee station for the residents and a welcome basket for new residents, which she made to welcome them Regency. Thanks to this effort, the home has implemented a coffee station and welcome baskets for new residents. Marlene keeps a positive outlook, has a good sense of humor despite, and never complains. She is truly Regency’s champion.
Betty Price
At 103-years-old, Betty Price is an active resident at Applewood Retirement Residence. Delivering a morning paper to subscribing residents six days a week, Betty also assists in checking off those who are attending dinner. Betty makes sure to join most of the entertainment activities hosted by the home. She is described to be a very caring person with a smile and a good morning to all. For residents who have a partner in long-term care, Betty makes little trinkets with treats inside for that resident to take to their loved one. About nine months ago, Betty had a fall and injured her back. Upon returning to the home, and taking the time needed to recover, Betty was back on her feet delivering papers and joining in on all her regular activities. She is truly an inspiration for all who know her.
Marguerite Sumeraj
Marguerite Sumeraj made Parkland on the Glen her home in March of 2020, a week before the world shut down. She is a shining example of ‘living your best life,’ with Parkland from the most difficult days to present day where she lights up every area she is in. Her thoughtful and caring heart is involved in so many aspects of the community. In the past four years, Margeurite has chaired the Resident Council, started a prayer group, and designed, along with the team, a ‘quiet room’ for resident reflection and payer. She is a member of the residence’s greeting card making group and often leads specific card making session for events. Marguerite attends both the knitting and painting classes as well and is always one of the first to dress up for a themed event or join on an outing. She is a wonderful counsel to many of her fellow residents as well as providing thoughtful and encouraging support to our team.
Sheila Waldron
Sheila Waldron has been a resident at Heritage Place a little over a year ago. Upon arrival, and getting acquainted with her new home, Sheila immediately blended in perfectly and was soon offering help to others in any way she could. She makes others happy and enjoys every day with her positive attitude, helpfulness, and willingness to be involved in activities. For the past eighteen years, Sheila has spent the last eighteen years volunteering at Joseph Brant Hospital, assisting patients, staff, and visitors. Sheila is described to be a caring, compassionate person that eases others’ anxiety and helps make them feel comfortable. When she was young, it was her mother who influenced her in the benefit of doing things for others with no thought of personal compensation.
Greg Webb
Greg Webb has been a resident at Normandy Retirement living for nearly two years now. Moving to Kingston from Bancroft, Greg’s journey is one that is truly inspiring and it’s evident through the positive impact he’s made on the Normandy retirement community. Since arriving, Greg has blossomed into an outgoing individual who encourages his fellow residents to stay positive. Advocating for residents, Greg fearlessly communicates any issues to management that need attention. Despite experiencing some health challenges, Greg’s improved well-being motivated him to seek employment, and currently holds a role as a tour guide on a Kingston tour boat. During the winter months, Greg can been found volunteering wherever he can. Some of his hours were dedicated to helping restore the Titanic-era steamship SS Keewatin, which arrive in Kingston’s harbour. With a warm smile and friendly greeting, Greg is a friend to all at Normandy Retirement Living.