On February 27th, BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) and EngAge BC held the 10th Annual BC Care Awards at the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. We were honored to have Premier David Eby attend the event for the first time and B.C. Minister of Health, Hon. Adrian Dix, present the coveted awards again this year.
After introductory remarks from Premier Eby, BCCPA and EngAge BC President Ron Pike, Minister Dix, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, Harwinder Sandhu, and MLA Shirley Bond took the stage to share special words to celebrate those who provide the best care for B.C. seniors.
With the help of MLAs from winners’ constituencies and category sponsors, Minister Dix presented the awards to the 2023 recipients:
- BC Care Provider of the Year (Long-Term Care): Leanna Maltesen (Woodgrove Manor, Trillium Communities)
- BC Care Provider of the Year (Home Health): Jamie Aspinall (Classic LifeCare)
- BC Care Provider of the Year (Assisted Living): Moyra Cameron (Hallmark on the Park, Baptist Housing)
- Family Champion Award: Irene Chan (S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society)
- Workplace of the Year: Creekside Landing (Kaigo Senior Living)
*Accepted by Tara-Lee Calhoun and Erick Achal on behalf of Creekside Landing - Ed Helfrich Long-Service Excellence Award: Kevin Svoboda (Kaigo Senior Living)
As winners accepted their awards, they delivered moving and inspiring speeches which were met with tearful reactions, enthusiastic applause, and standing ovations from an audience of elected officials, various leaders from the seniors care sector, colleagues, and family members.
The 2023 Ed Helfrich Long-Service Excellence Award winner, Kevin Svoboda, was welcomed on stage by all MLAs who were present. Kevin reflected on having worked with Ed Helfrich, after whom the award is named, and highlighted the significant growth of the Association since Helfrich help laid its foundation in its early years. Kevin thanked his wife Noriko Svoboda who has worked alongside him from the start and his children who are now working with him.
The evening concluded on a positive note with BCCPA and EngAge BC CEO, Terry Lake, who provided closing remarks and thanked Premier Eby, Minister Dix, sponsors, MLAs, board members and other special guests for their presence at the event and for the important work that they do.
The evening would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors:
Reception Sponsor
BC Care Provider of the Year | Home Health
BC Care Provider of the Year | Assisted Living
BC Care Provider of the Year | Long Term Care
Family Champion
Ed Helfrich Long Service
Workplace of the Year (New!)
Swag Bag Sponsorship and Training Sessions
We also thank Concerts in Care for providing musicians Diane Pancel, Ashley Wey, and Louis Rudner whose jazz renditions entertained attendees.
Photos from the event can be viewed here and in the photo gallery below.
