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Spring brought more than just warmer weather to GEF – it brought colour, connection, and the return of Planting Days! From May 14 to June 6, our third annual Planting Days campaign bloomed across communities, with residents and tenants coming together with over 150 corporate partners and volunteers to bring fresh life to the outdoor spaces our seniors call home.
Our residents and tenants joined in however they could, some pulling on gloves to help, and others cheering everyone on from the benches. For those with limited mobility, just being outside and chatting with the volunteers brought joy and laughter.
Community Partners Make It Happen
This year we welcomed 21 corporate partners, who brought teams ranging from one person to groups of 11. Many gave their time to more than one site, and they all brought their energy and enthusiasm, rain or shine. Together, they helped plant, dig, weed, and transform garden beds across 25 GEF communities.
A sincere thank you to TELSCO Security Systems, Ford Credit, Telus, Old Navy, Centennial Food Solutions, Source Office Furniture, PCL Construction, Royal Caretaking Supplies, Simmons Canada, ServiceMaster Restore of Edmonton, SYSCO Canada, Ecopest, AMRE Supply, Boilermaker’s Lodge 146, Telecon, Park Landscaping, Bell Mobility, and RBC! Your kindness, teamwork, and community spirit were felt and appreciated.
Some of our partners lent their support to the campaign in other impactful ways.
- Supreme Landscaping donated topsoil to refresh the raised planter boxes at Trinity Hall.
- Budget Printing provided signage to help us recognize and thank all the amazing volunteers at each site.
Everyone’s contributions helped to support our goal of creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but welcoming and accessible for residents and tenants.
An On-Air Shout Out
We were also delighted to welcome CTV Edmonton meteorologist, Josh Classen to Westlawn Court. Josh got his green thumbs dirty, planting alongside volunteers and tenants and kindly gave GEF a shout out during the evening weather report. His visit brought extra excitement to the day.
Cultivating Connections
Planting Days are about more than just flowers and gardens, they are about cultivating connections between volunteers, residents and tenants as well as neighbours and friends. After each planting event, teams and seniors shared lunch together, swapping stories, smiles, and a sense of pride in a job well done.
Help Keep the Gardens Growing
Planting Days continue! We need volunteers to help maintain, water, and care for the gardens throughout the summer. Whether you’re an individual, a team, or someone who just loves to spend time outdoors, we’d love to have you join us. If you were unable to take part in Planting Days, you can still make a meaningful impact! A donation to our Quality of Life Fund helps keep our communities vibrant and in bloom.
Community volunteers at McQueen Place Lodge.
🌻 Click here to VOLUNTEER with us!
💚 Click here to DONATE to our Quality of Life Fund!
Together, we’ve planted more than flowers! We’ve planted happy memories, friendship, community, and care across our GEF communities. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible!
🎥 Click here to watch heartwarming highlights from the events!
May is a time to appreciate all of the wonderful people who make GEF a welcoming and enriching community for all! Staff Appreciation Week (May 25 to 31) and National Volunteer Week (April 27 to May 3) are opportunities to celebrate our 500+ staff and 150 volunteers. Together, they support our mission to provide affordable, well-maintained, and secure buildings, where our clients can live with dignity and thrive in their communities.
Our staff and volunteers have a shared dedication to uplifting seniors and fostering a supportive, respectful community.
Celebrate the Journey
We are on a journey to create vibrant, affordable communities for seniors. Each step we’ve taken, every challenge we’ve overcome, and all the successes we’ve achieved have been possible because of the energy and creativity of our volunteers and the dedication, hard work, and passion of our staff. Together, they deliver quality services and create meaningful connections that strengthen our communities.
Beyond responsibilities, our teams’ commitment to small gestures – from positive affirmations to meaningful connections – creates a lasting impact.
Living Our Values
Through the remarkable contributions they make to our collective journey, staff and volunteers demonstrate our values:
- Put people at the centre of everything we do
- Show respect and kindness in every interaction
- Foster equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Be accountable and responsible
- Uphold trust, integrity and fairness
Their commitment to quality experiences and well-being is reflected in positive resident feedback and the strong connections formed.
Through dedication and teamwork, they ensure a positive resident experience, where tenants feel heard, valued, and actively engaged.
Many Thanks
To our staff – thank you for all that you do! Our seniors say it best – and from the heart! They appreciate all the ways you make a difference.
👉 Click here for a message from our seniors.
To our volunteers – thank you! Your skills and passion enrich programs through diverse activities and new opportunities.
👉 Click here for highlights from National Volunteer Week.
Join Us
Join our team – work with us or volunteer – and help create thriving communities where everyone feels valued and supported!
April 22 – Earth Day is a reminder that small actions can make a big difference. At GEF Seniors Housing, sustainability is part of everything we do. Our goal is simple: to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable homes for seniors while reducing our environmental impact.
Our new Energy and Water Management Policy is a practical approach to using resources wisely, lowering utility costs, and ensuring our buildings are efficient for years to come.
But sustainability isn’t just about buildings and infrastructure – it’s about people. That’s why we’re inviting everyone from staff, residents, and volunteers to get involved.
Sustainability starts with the people who live, work and volunteer in our communities.
Use Less, Save More, Live Better
With 41 buildings across Edmonton, we know that small changes add up. Our energy and water management initiatives focus on seven key areas:
✔ Electricity – Installing high-efficiency lighting, occupancy sensors in common areas, and smart energy management systems.
✔ Water Conservation – Using high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping, and water recycling initiatives.
✔ Natural Gas – Upgrading to high-efficiency units such as HVAC, boilers, and other mechanical systems.
✔ Fuel Usage – Choosing fuel-efficient vehicles and strategic travel routes.
✔ Communication & Engagement – Educating staff and residents about conservation and discussing ideas for improvement.
✔ Emerging Technologies & Continuous Improvement – Exploring and adopting new technology for energy and water conservation while continually conducting performance assessments to improve.
✔ Client Participation – Encouraging simple habits that reduce energy and water use as well as provide incentives for participating in sustainability initiatives.
This work aligns with our Sustainability Framework which helps GEF meet social, environmental, and economic goals while enhancing both the natural environment and the lives of our community members.
Upgrading to high-efficiency light fixtures, turning off taps, using fuel efficient vehicles, and turning off lights when leaving – all help to create a greener future for all.
Real Progress, Real Impact
The progress we have made since the introduction of our Sustainability Framework includes:
🏡 Boiler upgrades at GEF Kiwanis Place and GEF Grace Garden Court – Replacing old 80% efficient boilers with 88% efficient models to reduce fuel use.
🛗 Elevator modernization at GEF Kiwanis Place – Installing gearless motors that use less power.
🔧 Roof replacement at GEF Ansgar Villa – Upgrading to an energy-efficient roofing system with improved durability and insulation.
Upgrades made at GEF communities: Ansgar Villa, Grace Garden Court, and Kiwanis Place are already making a difference.
These upgrades help lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and make our buildings more comfortable for residents. Every dollar saved on utilities is a dollar that can be reinvested in Quality of Life programs that benefit seniors.
In addition, improvements like these help us work towards our goal of achieving ISO 50001: 2018 certification related to energy management.
How You Can Help
Sustainability works best when everyone is involved. Whether it’s turning off unused lights, turning off taps, or finding new ways to save energy, small actions matter.
Watch for posters coming to your GEF communities and take action to use less, save more, and live better!
Together, we can build a future that’s better for seniors and better for our planet.
A Simple Game Creating Special Moments
At GEF Bethany Senior Citizens Home, a new shuffleboard table is doing more than just adding a game to the space – it’s bringing people together. Thanks to generous donations to our Quality of Life Fund, a portion of funds was used to relocate the shuffleboard from another site to its current home at Bethany. Now tenants have a new way to connect, stay active, and enjoy time together.
Bethany’s recreation room had been quiet as of late, but this shuffleboard table is already changing that. Tenants are stopping by, some to play, some to watch, and many to simply enjoy a cup of coffee and chat.
“It’s the perfect activity to get everyone out of their rooms. Once others see us having fun, maybe more will come out to join us! I’m going to start organizing weekly get-togethers and shuffleboard tournaments with prizes.”
– Paul K., Tenant
More Than Just a Game
Shuffleboard is easy to pick up, which makes it inviting for everyone. Some tenants are reliving old memories, while others are trying it for the first time. Most importantly, it’s bringing them together for friendship and fun!
Game on! Paul K. teaches Janice B. how to play shuffleboard for the first time.
“I’m just learning how to play shuffleboard, and I love it! I used to only come down here to check the mail, but now that we have weekly coffee talks and this new shuffleboard, it’s great to meet up with everyone like this.”
– Janice B., Tenant
The space around the table has become a lively gathering spot, helping to bring vibrancy and energy into the community. Their weekly conversations over coffee, laughter, and friendly shuffleboard competitions have become simple, everyday moments that make the community feel more like home.
Your Support Makes This Possible
The shuffleboard table is just one example of how the Quality of Life Fund has made an impact in helping seniors thrive in their community. Donations fund life enriching opportunities, social activities, and additions that make a real difference.
“I’d love to see even more activities that get us all together. Things like picnics or more weekly games like crib, scrabble, UNO, and bingo. This is a good start.”
– Paul B., Tenant
Want to help create more special moments like this?
Donate to the Quality of Life Fund and bring more meaningful experiences to seniors across our communities.
This February, we shook off the winter blahs with our first-ever Winter Festival Family and Friends events! Inspired by our lively Summer Fairs, this new tradition brought together residents, families, and friends for an evening of fun, food, and unforgettable memories. The Life Enrichment team worked hard to create events that would truly engage residents. With interactive activities, and an art showcase, the festivals warmed the hearts of many during this long, cold winter season. With Family Day on February 17, the month was the perfect time to celebrate the connections that matter most.
A Flurry of Fun
Each of our Lodge communities hosted a Winter Festival, transforming February into a month-long celebration. The events featured something for all ages to enjoy.
Engaging Activity Stations:
Guests enjoyed a fun photo booth to capture memories with family and friends, while others explored new worlds with virtual reality from the comfort of a chair and headset. Some lucky attendees walked away with exciting door prizes, and everyone had the chance to admire the incredible talent on display at the Crafts & Art Walk, showcasing works from residents, and tenants. Roving entertainment kept spirits high, and a caricature artist offered personalized drawings as keepsakes.
Delicious Food & Drinks:
Guests indulged in a variety of delicious treats, including hot and cold canapés, cheese, pickles, and fruit desserts. The Coffee & Hot Chocolate Bar kept everyone warm, and for those who wanted a little something extra, the Drink Bar had spirits available for purchase.
Heartwarming Moments, Lasting Impact
The feedback from residents and families was positive, with many appreciating the amazing artwork, inclusive activities, and the thoughtful efforts that made the events feel special.
“So many people contributed to making these events a success. The atmosphere was welcoming and high-energy, the food was excellent, and it was meaningful to see residents, tenants, and family members of all ages enjoying the event.”
~Shelby Johnston, Life Enrichment Manager
Nearly 1200 residents, family, and friends joined in on the festivities, 58 dedicated volunteers helped make the magic happen, and 65 fantastic door prizes were won. The best part? The smiles, laughter and connections that filled the air at every single event.
Let’s Keep the Magic Going!
The success of our Winter Festivals was made possible by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and outside supporters. Want to help create more joyful moments for seniors in our community? Here’s how you can help:
💙 Volunteer with us – Your time makes a difference!
💙 Donate – Every contribution helps bring more celebrations and enriching opportunities to life.
Thank you to everyone who made our first Winter Festival season a success!
The 2024 holiday season was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. Thanks to the kindness of individuals and businesses, we brought joy to 3,800 seniors across our 41 GEF communities. From festive events to thoughtful gifts, the generosity shown from our donors and volunteers made the holiday season even more special. Scroll through the slideshow of pictures below to look back on some of our favorite moments!
A Record-Breaking Year of Giving
Celebrated on December 3, 2024, this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign was a big success! Together, we raised over $20,000 for our Quality of Life Fund, surpassing last year’s total of $18,000. Every dollar raised helps us enrich the lives of seniors, and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed. Visit our Donor and Volunteer Recognition page to see a list of our supporters.
Making the Holidays Bright
Thanks to our incredible community, we were able to:
• Provide 168 grocery gift cards as well as other gifts to be used as door prizes for seniors at holiday events and upcoming winter festivals across all of our sites.
• Give 285 seniors a magical evening on the Borealis Holiday Lights Tour, completely free of charge.
• Bring vibrant energy to the billiards room at Strathcona Place with a new 32” Smart TV.
• Direct over $2,000 in individual donations to specific GEF communities.
• Contribute $2,500 to the Compassion Fund for those clients most in need.
A Successful Year for Stocking Stuffers for Seniors
The generosity of London Drugs and Albertans made this year’s Stocking Stuffers for Seniors 2024 campaign the biggest one yet! Thanks to their support, a record 1,600 seniors in 20 GEF communities received holiday gifts. Their kindness made the season brighter for so many.
Deck the Halls: Volunteers Made the Season Shine
Nothing says the holidays like twinkling lights and festive decorations! This year, several volunteers gave their time to decorate our communities, adding warmth and cheer to our seniors’ homes.
A special thank you to the Old Navy store team in Edmonton, who not only helped decorate but also donated 310 cozy holiday gift bags for several seniors in our communities — as well as housing applicants waiting for a place to call home.
The Spirit of Giving Continues
The holidays may be over, but the spirit of giving continues all year long. Your support makes all the difference! Donate to our Quality of Life Fund and choose exactly where your gift will go. Together, we can continue to bring joy and connection to the seniors who call GEF their home.
Thanks to all the individuals, businesses, and volunteers for making 2024 so unforgettable. Here’s to another year of compassion, kindness, community, and giving!
Photos: Cindy Stewart (centre) from Old Navy drops off gift bag donations filled with holiday goodies for GEF housing clients.
The holiday season is a time for kindness, connection, and community. This year, thanks to a warm-hearted donation from Old Navy, we had the chance to bring some extra joy to seniors in our city as well as those living in our communities.
In November, Old Navy staff from across Edmonton worked together to assemble 310 holiday gift bags, each filled with something cozy, something fun, something tasty, and something useful. These thoughtful gifts aimed to brighten the days of our residents and housing applicants — and they truly did!
Housing Team Steps in as Santa’s Helpers
The first 100 gift bags were given to the Housing Team who quickly stepped into their holiday roles as Santa’s helpers. During housing interviews in December, staff surprised applicants with these gifts, offering some much-needed cheer during a challenging time.
With over 1,200 seniors currently on our waitlist for housing, and with our buildings at nearly full capacity, Old Navy’s gifts provided support and compassion to seniors waiting for a place to call home.
A Small Gift, A Big Impact
The reactions from applicants were heartwarming. Many shared how a simple gift turned their day around, bringing a bit of light and joy when they needed it most.
“One applicant was beyond grateful and thanked Old Navy and GEF staff for making his day better. He hadn’t smiled once during the interview UNTIL I gave him the package. Another applicant upon receiving the gift said, ‘I feel more optimistic now. There’s a light in my spirit. I know good things are coming.'”
~ Lisa Neill, GEF Housing Placement Coordinator
“My last interview yesterday was surprised by the gift bag. He was so thankful — like a kid opening presents!”
~ Shelley Anna Adia, GEF Housing Placement Coordinator
The remainder of the gift bags were delivered to thankful residents and tenants at various GEF communities over the holiday season.
Old Navy team delivers gift bags to happy residents and tenants.
Thank You, Old Navy!
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Old Navy and to our dedicated GEF staff for helping make this holiday season brighter for our community. Your generosity through this campaign truly warmed hearts — along with heads, hands and toes!
Join Us in Spreading Cheer All Year Round
As we continue to support seniors in our communities, we invite you to be a part of spreading happiness and cheer throughout 2025. Click here to learn more about how you can help us make a difference.
Together, we can brighten someone’s day, warm their heart, and remind them of hopeful days ahead.
Photos from left to right: Jacquie Eales and her husband Brent Webster; the birthday gal and her 60th birthday balloons; Jacquie and her son Brad
This year Jacquie Eales celebrated a milestone—her 60th birthday—but it was not your typical affair focused on all things cake, candles and cocktails (though there was still plenty of that on hand!) For the birthday gal, what was most important to her was gathering with her nearest and dearest on a special night that focused on GIVING back.
“Turning 60 gave me time to reflect on my past, be grateful for the present, and plan my future with more intention. I realized I don’t need more stuff. But I know there are many others that do.”
As a former member and chair of the GEF Seniors Housing Board of Directors, Jacquie has spent years advocating for and supporting vulnerable seniors. On her 60th birthday, Jacquie took her commitment to the next level by fundraising for GEF’s Quality of Life Fund, which helps seniors facing financial hardship to thrive by ensuring they have access to basic needs and resources.
A Party with a Purpose
Rather than receiving traditional birthday gifts, Jacquie invited her 40 guests to donate to GEF Seniors Housing. Jacquie’s guests were not surprised by this unique party idea – in fact they were supportive.
“It’s easy to do an Honorary Gifting event like this because you’re getting people together anyway, so use it to plant the seed and create awareness. Every donation big or small can make a difference. Even if someone gives $20 – if everyone in the room does the same, it grows.”
– Jacquie Eales, Philanthropist
Jacquie’s purposeful party raised nearly $3,800 that goes towards providing necessary items like mattresses, home furnishings, and kitchen wares to seniors most in need when moving into GEF communities.
Understanding Seniors’ Needs
In 2014, while working with GEF on a University of Alberta research project, Jacquie interviewed dozens of low-income residents to learn firsthand what contributes to their quality of life. This work was foundational to the development of GEF’s Quality of Life Philosophy, which is based on choice, dignity, well-being, accountability, and kindness.
“GEF has been a hidden gem in our community for 65 years providing homes to seniors with limited incomes. I wanted to create awareness about this organization.”
It was during her time as a board member from 2016 to 2022 that she saw firsthand the significant changes in need and the increasing complexity in circumstances of GEF’s clients. GEF’s Outreach Team identifies these clients and works with organizations like FIND to provide basic items such as beds, new mattresses, chairs, side tables, lamps, dishes, and cookware.
“Donations like these help GEF to support seniors—many of whom are coming from precarious situations—continue to maintain their dignity notwithstanding the journeys that have brought them to our doors.”
– Shanika Donalds, Director of Housing and Client Services, GEF Seniors Housing
A Legacy of Compassion
Jacquie’s long-standing passion for caring for older adults started with her grandparents and continued with her mother who was the Assistant Director at a long-term care centre. On days off from school, Jacquie and her brother volunteered at the centre and enjoyed portering, doing residents’ hair, and playing cards with them.
“We had early exposure to older adults and all their wonderful wisdom. My mother and her career in long-term care was also a tremendous example for us.”
Jacquie’s mom, Joan, donates her large book collection to GEF’s library project.
As a former Speech Language Pathologist, Jacquie says her work in geriatric rehabilitation to help seniors regain communication skills after suffering strokes and other neurological impairments was very rewarding. Now happily retired, when she’s not busy on the playground with her two grandchildren, Jacquie continues to support GEF in new ways.
“The best way to start is to simply ask, ‘How can I help?’ Volunteering time, donating goods, or even just spreading the word about GEF are all ways people can help.”
Ways to Get Involved
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or simply want to give back, there are many ways to help.
- DONATE – Dedicate donation to Seniors Most in Need.
- FUNDRAISE for GEF: Honorary Gifting, Charity of Choice, and DIY Fundraiser.
- VOLUNTEER with us.
Generosity is a gift that never expires and sometimes the greatest gifts are the ones that lift others up.
GEF marked its 65th anniversary by celebrating the joys of seniorhood and the vibrancy of its communities. The celebrations kicked off during Seniors’ Week in June and culminated with the unveiling of the 65th Anniversary Mosaic Art Project on October 1, the International Day of the Older Person. Here’s a look back at our celebrations.
A “Vibrant Community” Unveiled
First launched at the 65th anniversary kick-off event in June, the Mosaic Art Project came together over the summer and became the legacy project of our anniversary year. Artists Kelly Jans & Lisa Kutzner, who are also GEF staff members, worked collaboratively with residents and tenants from across our 41 communities to create the artwork. They chose sunflowers as the overall theme of the composition because the cheerful yellow petals remind us to embrace joy, seek out light, and stand tall in the face of adversity – a fitting description of seniorhood itself. Residents and tenants contributed to the mosaic by expressing what being a senior means to them. Participants did not necessarily know about the sunflower theme when they painted their individual canvases.
All was revealed at the October 1 event, which took place at Strathcona Place Apartments, was livestreamed on YouTube, and featured the creators of the masterpiece as the V.I.Ps. Project participants were invited to share their personal stories during an innovative open-mic segment. While each story was unique, they all reflected the optimism, resilience, embodiment of life, warmth, and longevity that seniorhood represents.
“We wanted to focus on one impactful activity that would leave a memorable impression on our community. “Vibrant Community” reflects the unique lived experiences of each individual within our communities as well as the creativity and vibrancy that exists in our communities as a whole.”
– Bernadette DeSantis, GEF Seniors Housing Director of Communications and Engagement,
Chair of the 65th Anniversary Committee.
Community members chose to name the mosaic “Vibrant Community” in honour of GEF’s rich history and vision to create vibrant affordable communities for seniors. The artwork will be on display at GEF’s Central Services location, and a photograph of the mosaic will be displayed in each GEF community for all to enjoy.
A recording of the unveiling event is available on our YouTube Channel.
Community Celebrations
Throughout the summer, tenants and staff, residents and their families were invited to celebrate the 65th Anniversary at their annual Lodge Summer Fairs and Apartment Barbecues. The weather cooperated for many of the outdoor events, but even when the events had to move indoors due to extreme weather conditions, there was plenty of fun and food had by all.
Together We Thrive: Celebrating Seniors and our Supporters
Stunning displays of visual artistry at Art Walk.
Seniors’ Week (June 3 to 9) is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of seniors, and with GEF becoming a senior itself, we chose June 6 to kick off our celebration of seniors and seniors-serving organizations. We gathered with our partners in the community at McQueen Place Lodge to mark 65 years of supporting low-income seniors to thrive in their Golden Years. Special guests included representatives from the Alberta Government, City of Edmonton, Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association (ASCHA), Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE), and members of the GEF Board of Directors. The event showcased the culinary and visual artists from our GEF communities. With this being our Sapphire Anniversary, we chose blue as our theme colour because it symbolizes loyalty and peacefulness in a long lasting relationship. A local school group collaborated with our seniors to produce the “wings” display which became a fun photo booth at the kick off event and summer fairs.
Brandon Lunty, Co-Chair of the Alberta Seniors Lodge Review Panel.
“The seniors housing sector in Alberta is constantly changing and shifting to best respond to the needs and expectations of today’s seniors. GEF is a leader in innovation – from intergenerational programming, supporting low-income community members, extraordinary dining experiences, and sustainable capital and operational models.”
— Irene Martin-Lindsay, Executive Director, Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association (ASCHA)
McQueen Place Lodge residents and staff enjoy the celebration.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
A HUGE thanks goes out to all of our 400 + GEF staff, whose dedication and commitment to creating a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment for everyone who lives in, works at, or visits our communities have brought us to where we are today and will help us get to where we want to be in the future.
For their role in our journey to becoming Alberta’s largest non-profit social housing operator for seniors, this year’s staff appreciation theme was ‘Enjoy the Journey’, and staff received “Explore the City” summer fun packs. If you’re looking for opportunities to connect, give back, and positively influence seniors’ quality of life, click here to join our dedicated team.
We also give gratitude to our board members, community partners, volunteers, donors, residents, tenants, friends and family members. Thank you all for being a vital part of our 65 years of service to the community. If you’d like to get involved and support our Vibrant Community check out the ‘Get Involved’ tab on our website to volunteer or donate. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors.
Special thanks to the 65th Anniversary Committee for their role in making the celebrations so memorable.
Let’s enjoy the journey ahead knowing that every small step we each take today paves the way for tomorrow.
Photos from left to right: Amre Supply at Buchanan Manor Apartments, Virginia Park School students at Virginia Park Lodge and Apartments, cadet volunteer at Pleasantview Place Lodge and Apartments.
Planting Days 2024 saw our biggest turnout yet, and along with some generous donations, will be remembered for the heartwarming connections that blossomed amidst the soil and sunshine. Nearly 70 volunteers came out for the three-week event (May 15 to June 7), including our corporate partners, school groups, and volunteers from the community. As volunteers worked alongside staff, apartment tenants, and lodge residents to revitalize our outdoor spaces, conversations were sparked, memories were shared, and relationships took root that will last long after the summer blooms fade into fall.
Hands-On-Help
Our corporate partners made a strong showing at this years Planting Days, with new businesses such as Amre Supply, Arkuda Restoration, Bell Mobility, Budget Printing, Ford Credit, Old Navy, Royal Caretaking, Schindler Elevator, Serta Simmons, Supreme Landscaping, and Sysco, joining perennial favourites Ecopest, Source Office Furniture, Telus, and Telsco to plant happiness in our communities. Teams varied in size, ranging from one person to groups of 14, each donating a couple of hours of their time away from work commitments to spend quality time with seniors and engage in gardening activities.
Given the physical limitations of our seniors, the hands-on help of volunteers and staff means the groundwork like digging and weeding gets done while seniors enjoy their gardening experience without any barriers. Another way our business partners contributed to the campaign is through donations. Businesses provided everything from refreshments to keep volunteers nourished and hydrated, to raised planter boxes, and donations to our Quality of Life Fund.
Cultivating Connections
Telsco Security staff (right) enjoy sharing mealtime and conversation with Rosslyn Place Lodge residents after a morning of planting.
Planting Days is an opportunity for our corporate partners to give back to the community. It’s also an opportunity to cultivate connections with the seniors we serve to enrich their quality of life.
During my summer holidays in the 1960s, my parents and I would drive from Slave Lake to visit my grandparents in Radway. One of the highlights after greeting them with hugs was visiting the fruit tress and vegetable garden. Dedo, my grandmother taught me how to pick the best fruits and vegetables without damaging the plants. So much to learn about food and plants at the age of 6! -Donna B.
Heartfelt Contributions
Our community volunteers have always been a part of our GEF family, along with our staff, actively engaging with our seniors, enjoying each other’s company and positively influencing their quality of life. Our gardens and planting beds, now full of life and color, are a daily reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.
As GEF celebrates its 65th year of providing safe, welcoming, and affordable social housing for seniors, your support plays a crucial role in enabling us to create natural spaces that enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of seniors, providing a source of pride for those who call them home!
Our gardens will be the location for the summer fairs and barbeques to mark the 65th Anniversary celebrations. We need volunteers to help us maintain our gardens throughout the summer. Click here to sign up and become a Gardening Volunteer! It is not too late to donate – Our GEF communities need more planter boxes to encourage our senior’s gardening efforts.
Click here to see a video of all our communities in full bloom.