The Family Champion Award is presented to a former or current caregiver, family member, or friend who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of older adults who live in a long-term care or assisted living home or receive home health services. This award recognizes the importance of family members’ contributions to the seniors’ care sector across B.C., including their advocacy, leadership, and commitment to quality improvement.
BC Care Providers Association is proud to celebrate the exceptional nominees for the Family Champion Award. The 11th Annual BC Care Award winners will be announced in January 2025. Read about the final nominees in the award category below.
***
Peter Ro – Amenida Seniors’ Community
Peter constantly helps drives efforts to enhance the quality of life for older adults within the Amenida seniors’ community through consistent, proactive support and meaningful engagement over many years. His dedication extends beyond personal care for his 102-year-old mother, positively impacting the broader community of seniors.
Despite living across the country in Toronto, Peter ensures to regularly visit the Amenida Seniors’ Community to support his mother and to contribute to the community. During his visits, his warm presence not only provides essential support to his mother but also creates a ripple effect, uplifting the broader community of residents. On a broader level, Peter helped to improve the quality of life of the residents by meeting directly with the home’s general manager and sharing insights and suggestions, such as providing more nutritious and appealing food for the residents to enjoy. Peter’s proactive approach, driven by personal experience, extends beyond his mother’s care and contributes to the overall well-being of seniors at Amenida.
Terry Stofer – Luther Court Society
Since her parents moved into Luther Courty Society, Terry has always been actively involved in the lives of residents even after each of her parents passed away. She remains an active advocate for the residents, as she was with her late parents whom she was a loving caregiver to. Prior to her mother’s passing, she and her mother initiated and financially sponsored a container vegetable garden for residents and staff to enjoy as a memorial to her late father. After her mother died, Terry revamped the inner courtyard where the container garden was created, purchasing plants, outdoor furniture, hummingbird feeders, and pillows for families and staff to gather in a peaceful environment. She then brought together friends and residents to paint the concrete retaining walls with murals of animals, children, and plants for the whole community to enjoy. A beloved member of the Luther Court community, Terry even sponsors special events for residents, holds flower arranging events for residents, and assists residents with weeding and watering the garden.
Tonya Waldock – The Cascades Community & Retirement Living
As a dedicated family member, Tonya exemplifies the values of advocacy, leadership, and commitment. Tonya’s mother residents on the second floor in our long-term care building and although she spends significant time supporting the community that cares for her mother, her willingness to extend her support to all areas of our campus is appreciated for all those in the community.
Tonya is an active participant in the community’s Family Council and the Dining Experience Committee, consistently advocating for improvements that enhance residents’ daily lives. Her insights and suggestions are invaluable, reflecting her deep understanding of the needs and preferences of both residents and families. She approaches every discussion with a collaborative spirit, bringing thoughtful solutions to the table that benefit the entire community.
Her advocacy, volunteerism, and proactive approach make her a true champion for families and residents alike.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
