Norah Chaloner, The Village of Riverside Glen – RHRA’s 2026 Resident Champion Award Recipient
As President of the Retirement Home Residents’ Council at The Village of Riverside Glen, Norah has helped create a community where residents remain active and connected. She led the transformation of an underused corridor into the Bird Link, bringing residents together to carve and paint wooden birds while creating a welcoming space featuring plants and a live bird camera. She also contributed to a pollinator garden, championed cherry blossom trees and encouraged environmental stewardship. Beyond these projects, Norah has invited government leaders to engage directly with residents and supported storytelling and Elder Wisdom initiatives that allow residents to share their knowledge. By recognizing potential, inviting others to contribute and creating opportunities for meaningful participation, she has helped to strengthen and foster community in the home.
June Pollard, Christie Gardens Apartments and Care – RHRA’s 2026 Resident Champion Award Recipient
Since moving to Christie Gardens six years ago, June has become a valued community leader whose creativity, kindness and inclusive approach have enriched residents’ lives. She transformed the book collection into a lending library, encouraged residents to discover new titles and led a welcoming poetry group that has published five anthologies, with proceeds supporting the Residents’ Association. June also founded a residents’ orchestra, secured funding for a professional conductor and helped the ensemble grow from five to 15 members, giving residents opportunities to perform again or for the first time. Her involvement in sewing, quilting and knitting groups has further fostered connection, built skills and raised funds for resident activities. As a former Chair of the Residents’ Association, she increased participation, recruited volunteers and continues to offer trusted support to residents and administration. Her warmth, humility and commitment to inclusion reflect the spirit of a resident champion.
Audrey Collens-Smith, Granite Ridge Retirement Residence
As a resident of Granite Ridge Retirement Home, Audrey has made an extraordinary contribution to the community through her leadership, volunteerism and dedication to supporting others. At 98, she remains an active and engaged resident who regularly assists her peers by escorting residents to meals and activities, offering companionship, and helping during community programs. She warmly welcomes prospective residents and families during tours, shares daily announcements that keep residents informed and connected, and brings people together through her enthusiasm for local sports teams. Audrey also enriches community life by performing accordion music and tap-dancing routines, while her involvement in the knitting club has helped support the donation of more than 1,000 blankets to the SPCA of Muskoka over the past five years. Through her ongoing commitment to fostering connection, encouraging participation, and supporting those around her, Audrey has helped make Granite Ridge a welcoming and vibrant place to call home.
Marguerite Crottie, Amica Pickering
As one of the founding residents of Amica Pickering, Marguerite has played a meaningful role in shaping the community since its opening. Through her weekly singing on the Memory Care and Assisted Living floors, she brings comfort, connection, and enjoyment to fellow residents. She has nurtured and expanded the Sun Room, creating a space that residents value and enjoy, and regularly bakes homemade treats to share with residents and staff. An active participant in music programs and community events, Marguerite consistently brings people together, fostering a strong sense of belonging throughout the residence. Her ongoing commitment to sharing her time and talents has made a lasting impact on the culture of Amica Pickering and the lives of those who call it home.
Pat Crozier, Pearl and Pine Retirement Residence
Pat plays a central role in community life at Pearl and Pine Retirement Residence, where she welcomes prospective residents and families, celebrates milestones and ensures residents feel supported. Her commitment extends beyond the residence through clothing and essential-item drives for local organizations, along with fundraising for Joseph Brant Hospital, Carpenter Hospice and other community causes. By encouraging residents, families and team members to participate, Pat helps fundraising events raise between $2,500 and $5,000 for local charities. She contributes without seeking recognition, creating a stronger sense of belonging while inspiring others to make a meaningful difference.
Mabel Eddy, Great Northern Retirement Home
As a resident of Great Northern Retirement Home since December 2023, Mabel has made a meaningful impact through her dedication to supporting and connecting with others. She is a welcoming presence who helps residents feel heard, valued and included, often advocating for their needs and offering companionship to those requiring extra support. Mabel actively contributes to community life by teaching knitting, leading line dancing, volunteering at the tuck shop, and helping new residents settle into their new home. Her commitment to service also extends beyond the residence through volunteer work and charitable initiatives that support seniors and the broader community. Through her kindness, leadership and consistent willingness to help others, Mabel has strengthened the sense of belonging and care that defines life at Great Northern Retirement Home.
Ethel Gilmor, The Briton House Retirement Centre
As a resident of The Briton House since 2013, Ethel has enriched the community through her positive outlook, determination, and ability to connect with others. At 108 years old and approaching her 109th birthday, she continues to participate in activities such as weekly Scrabble and resident social gatherings, where she fosters friendship and engagement. Known for her warm smile, sense of humour, and thoughtful approach to each day, Ethel inspires fellow residents and staff through the example she sets. Her appreciation for life, commitment to staying involved, and ability to remain positive in the face of challenges have made her a valued member of the community and a source of encouragement to those around her.
Robert “Bob” Harrick, Parkland on the Glen
Bob strengthens life at Parkland on the Glen and supports older adults across Mississauga through community leadership and advocacy. As President of the Mississauga Seniors Council, he ensures seniors have a voice and brings useful information and opportunities back to residents. Within the residence, Bob participates in the Glee Club, welcomes newcomers and encourages involvement to help reduce isolation. He also leads the annual Seniors Got Talent event, which gives older adults a platform to share their abilities and challenge stereotypes about aging. Through these efforts, Bob has increased participation and inspired others to remain connected to their communities.
Barry Shainbaum, Forest Hill Place
Barry has strengthened life at Forest Hill Place and supported people worldwide through Parkinson’s advocacy and music. Living with Parkinson’s himself, he founded the Facebook group Recovery From Parkinson’s is Possible, which has grown to more than 10,000 members, and later created Healing from Parkinson’s with Music to connect people through the therapeutic power of music. Within the residence, Barry leads sing-alongs that encourage participation, reduce isolation and help residents build meaningful connections. His long-standing commitment to empowering others was also recognized with a 2011 Human Rights Award for inspiring people to find their voices. By turning personal experience into support for others, Barry has created communities that foster hope and belonging.
Dorothy Tsubouchi, Chartwell Isabella Retirement Residence
Dorothy has become a respected leader at Chartwell Isabella through her service as Chair of the H.O.P.E. Committee, guiding resident volunteers and helping raise $4,357 in 2025 for local charities. She also championed yard sales and craft sales that showcased resident artists while building community connection. Beyond fundraising, Dorothy volunteers at social events, supports residents in the dining room and advocates for improvements to health and quality of life. Her active participation encourages others to get involved, while her thoughtful feedback helps strengthen the residence. Motivated by a desire to make Chartwell Isabella a better home for everyone, Dorothy’s leadership and service reflect the spirit of a resident champion.
Madeline “Mady” Upfield, Venvi Greenway Retirement
As a resident of Greenway, Mady has made a meaningful impact through her creativity, initiative and commitment to supporting others. She first became involved by volunteering with Active Living programs, sharing her artistic talents through creative projects and designing displays for community events that encouraged participation and connection among residents. Recognizing that many residents were experiencing grief and loneliness, she took the initiative to establish and lead a peer support group, creating a safe space for residents to share their experiences, find encouragement, and build meaningful connections. Through her leadership and dedication, Mady has helped strengthen the sense of community at Greenway, providing comfort and support to residents while enriching the lives of those around her. Her contributions continue to foster a more connected and caring environment for everyone who calls Greenway home.