BC Care Providers Association is proud to present the coveted 2025 Ed Helfrich Long-Service Excellence Award to Al and Jenny Jina, CEO and Director of Park Place Seniors Living, two dedicated individuals who have transformed seniors’ care not only in B.C., but across Canada.
More than three decades ago, Al and Jenny co-founded Park Place Seniors Living with a simple but powerful mission – to create homes where seniors feel valued, respected, and truly at home. What began as a single residence in Nelson, B.C., has grown into a network of over 40 award-winning communities across B.C., Alberta, and Ontario, each one shaped by their commitment to excellence, compassion, and innovation.
With a background in nursing from the UBC School of Nursing, a master’s degree in Adult Education from UBC and a Fellowship in Gerontology from Royal Canadian Legion, Jenny started a lifelong career in caring for seniors as a Director of Care at Fair Haven United Church Homes in Vancouver and Burnaby. Here, she saw firsthand the importance of dignity in aging. Preventing institutionalization of care, Jenny has worked tirelessly to make Park Place feel like home for all residents. Through her leadership, Park Place became known for warm, person-centered environments that celebrate individuality and foster belonging.
Obtaining his commerce and law degrees from the University of Edmonton, Al brought his expertise to champion systemic change in seniors’ care. From serving on provincial committees to advising on legislation, his influence has strengthened the foundations of seniors’ care across Canada. He has previously served on the committee reviewing the Alberta Continuing Care Act, as the Chair of SafeCare BC (2014-2019), on the Advisory Committee for UBC’s Master of Health Leadership and Policy, as well as with the BC Law Institute and the Health Employers Association of BC. Currently, he serves on the board of BCCPA, Jubilee Multi Generational Housing Society, MCYH Multi-Generational Housing Society, and SOS Children’s Village BC. All these contributions have brought nuance and understanding to Park Place’s residences.
Together, Al and Jenny have built more than residences, but communities. Today, Park Place employs over 4,700 dedicated professionals, all united by a culture of respect and compassion. Their homes are fully accredited with Accreditation Canada and have earned numerous awards, a testament to their inspiring pursuit of excellence.
For over 30 years, Al and Jenny have shown what it means to lead with purpose, creating spaces where seniors thrive and staff feel proud to serve.
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support.
