The BC Care Awards honour individuals whose contributions make significant impact to the quality of life of older adults across the province. Among these awards, the Family Champion Award recognizes the important role of family members in strengthening seniors’ care, recognizing their advocacy, leadership, and dedication to improving quality of care and life.
Below are five individuals nominated for the 2025 Family Champion Award.
Gloria Kletchko – Trillium Bevan Village
Gloria is the daughter of one of the residents at Trillium Bevan Village. She has been a member of the community since 2017 and is currently the Chair of the Bevan Family council. In her current position, she has provided exemplary leadership that has strengthened and revitalized the council’s role within the organization. Under her guidance the council has become a cohesive and engaged group that contributes meaningfully to family events, meetings, and resident advocacy. Gloria also coordinates council activities, facilitates educational sessions, and maintains clear, consistent communication with professionalism and care.
Alongside the Bevan family council, she’s given opportunities to support families in understanding seniors care, end-of-life planning, and learning how to effectively communicate with care staff. Her consistent advocacy ensures that residents’ needs and perspectives are clearly represented. Gloria’s commitment not only enhances the quality of life for her mother but for all residents. Her leadership continues to strengthen collaboration within Trillium Bevan Village and is truly cherished by both staff and residents alike.
Rainy Kent – Vice Chair, Fraser Association of Family Councils
Rainy Kent is recognized for her positivity and family-centered advocacy, driven by personal experience when her mother moved into long-term care in 2021. As Vice Chair of the Fraser Association of Family Councils, Rainy is dedicated to ensuring that every family member has a voice, a seat at the table, and a reason to believe in the potential for better care.
Rainy is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for loved ones in long-term care across the Fraser Health Authority. With unwavering dedication, she invests countless hours each week connecting with family councils, offering guidance, encouragement, and hands-on support. Her personal commitment fosters the growth and development of these councils, ensuring that families feel heard, empowered, and engaged in the care of their loved ones.
Through her enthusiastic advocacy for family councils, Rainy has strengthened communication between families and long-term care administrators, creating meaningful connections that benefit both residents and the wider care community. Her passion for fostering collaboration and understanding has had a lasting impact, helping to ensure that families are active partners in shaping quality care experiences.
George Tweedlie – Rosewood Manor
George has been an unwavering pillar of support and care within the Rosewood Manor community. Throughout the year, he lovingly maintains the courtyards on his own time using his own resources. He clears debris, tends the flower beds, and plants herbs and seasonal blooms for residents to enjoy.
Beyond groundskeeping, George is an active participant in the Richmond Intermediate Care Society’s Annual General Meeting and a consistent voice at family council, offering suggestions and supporting initiatives that strengthen his community. He has also played a key role in fundraising efforts, contributing generously to Rosewood Manor’s annual staff fund.
George’s service has been widely celebrated in all his endeavours. Most recently, he was honoured at the IG Wealth management Walk for Alzheimer’s in May 2025. This cause is especially close to his heart, as his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In 2022, he has also received a lifetime honour recognizing him as Richmond’s oldest soccer referee. Through his involvement and recognition, George continuously exemplifies dedication, compassion, and an enduring commitment to the well-being of others.
Judy Calhoun
Judy Calhoun is a compassionate, steady presence whose leadership has transformed the culture of seniors’ care at AgeCare Royal City. After experiencing profound kindness when her father-in-law was placed in long term care, Judy dedicated herself to giving that same support back to others. As the heart of the Family Council since 2014, she has welcomed families with empathy and worked alongside countless caregivers through moments of anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. Her philosophy of being kind and letting go of guilt has fostered a sense of trust and encouragement between families and staff. Judy has advocated for sensory-friendly practices for residents with hearing or vision loss, which has led to meaningful enhancements in residents’ comfort and well-being.
Outside of Royal City, Judy continues to be impactful through her work. She has supported the development of inclusive Family Councils at other AgeCare homes, mentored youth for more than two decades through Job’s Daughters International and uplifted vulnerable students through the Cinderella Project. Her service is shaped by humility and heart, whether she is comforting a grieving family, empowering a young woman, or helping a student step confidently into the future. Judy Calhoun is an unsung champion whose compassion bridges generations and communities. She leaves a legacy of gentleness, dignity, and hope everywhere she serves.
Eleanor Howe
Eleanor is a steady, compassionate presence whose commitment has elevated the daily experience of residents at The Hamlets at Duncan. Her presence encourages engagement and connection, especially for those who may be shy or withdrawn. She takes time to sit with residents, listen to their stores, and build relationships that help them feel known and valued.
Her leadership within the Resident Council has strengthened residents’ ability to influence meaningful changes. Recognizing that many residents felt unsure whether their voices were being heard, Eleanor helped transform meetings into supportive, structured spaces where they could speak openly and trust that their feedback mattered. This transformation has created tangible improvements in the dining program: clearer communication, adjustment to portion sizing and temperature control, and creating a more inviting atmosphere. After these changes were implemented, residents expressed that mealtimes became more enjoyable and inclusive, increasing overall resident satisfaction.
Families and team members alike regard Eleanor as a trusted partner and friend whose empathy and desire to advocate for change foster a strong culture of collaboration. She welcomes new families with understanding, offering reassurance in her own experience navigating Long Term Care and provides guidance that is thoughtful and supportive. Staff appreciate her involvement within the Royal City community and residents often describe her as someone who makes their days brighter. Whether through her daily encouragement or her advocacy for residents, Eleanor has become an integral part of AgeCar Royal City’s well-being. Her dedication continues to uplift residents, families and team members through kindness, dignity, and wholehearted commitment.
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Click here to register for the 12th Annual BC Care Awards ceremony.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
