Tag: nonprofit
This winter, we launched our first Brighten the Lives of Seniors Campaign. Inspired by the new light display at GEF Central Services and McQueen Place Lodge, the vibrant lights reflected the warmth, joy, and connection that community support and donations bring to seniors who call GEF home.
📹 Watch highlights from our community light-up launch event here!
Your Support Made the Season Shine
From December through the end of February, we saw that support come to life across our communities. Seniors across our 43 GEF communities enjoyed a bright holiday season thanks to the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses. With help from the campaign, we were able to:
- Provide 109 grocery gift cards as door prizes for events
- Send approximately 270 seniors on 17 Holiday Light Tours
- Host 54 festive events that brought people together
- Add a new 32” Smart TV to the common room at GEF Ritchie Pioneer Place
A Bright First Year
With a goal of $35,000, we raised $32,322 in this new initiative. This builds on last year’s $20,000 raised and shows what can happen when people come together. Support came in many ways this year. From donations and gifts to participation in our additional Brighten the Board fundraiser, people found meaningful ways to enrich the lives of seniors. Each donation to the Quality of Life Fund, helps support programs, experiences, and community enhancements that make a difference in our seniors’ everyday lives.
See the full list of donors and volunteers who helped make this possible.
Stocking Stuffers Success
Another highlight from the campaign was the return of the London Drugs Stocking Stuffers for Seniors program. With support from London Drugs, everyone who fulfilled a senior’s wish list, and the volunteers and staff who helped deliver the gifts, we reached more seniors than ever. A record 2,525 seniors across all of our communities received a present this holiday season.
📹 Watch some of the heartwarming moments from delivery day here!
Volunteers Made the Season Glow
So many wonderful volunteers also donated their time and creativity to decorate our communities during the giving season. The trees, lights, and decorations made our spaces feel welcoming, festive, and full of holiday spirit!
A special thank you to the Old Navy team in Edmonton. They helped decorate and donated over 330 gift bags for seniors in our communities, as well as for local seniors still waiting for a place to call home. This thoughtful gesture brought comfort and care during a busy, and often stressful, time of year.
Keep the Light Going!
While our Brighten the Lives of Seniors Campaign has wrapped up, its impact continues. Ongoing community support helps create more opportunities for GEF seniors to stay active, engaged, and connected across our communities.
Keep the bright moments going – DONATE to our Quality of Life Fund today!
Thank you again to everyone who made the season sparkle for seniors by contributing to our new campaign. We look forward to lighting things up again this November. Together we are creating meaningful moments that last well beyond the season.
WinterFEST made its way through our lodge communities throughout February and into early March, and it was such a great reminder of how special this season can be. The celebrations brought residents, families, friends, staff, and volunteers together to embrace the winter season, while sharing laughter, connection, and plenty of warm memories along the way.
A Blizzard of Fun and Games
Our Life Enrichment Team put so much care into this event. From the winter-themed games like Beat the Blizzard, Slap Shot, Ski Ball, and Winter Trivia, to the popular Polaroid booth and caricature station that had everyone smiling. There was something for everyone to explore in every corner.
VR Adventures
The Rendever Virtual Reality station was a big highlight! Residents and guests explored the Aurora Borealis, toured Banff and Jasper, went snowmobiling, and even took a snowy stroll with dogs, all without leaving the lodge! So many happy memories were made!
The excitement even caught the attention of CTV Edmonton, who stopped by WinterFEST at GEF Sakaw Terrace to showcase how our VR Program is bringing the world and new experiences to our seniors.
📹 Watch the CTV Virtual Reality feature here!
Cozy, Canadian, Comfort Food
As always, the food brought everyone together. The delicious poutine bar was a hit, along with pecan tarts, assorted desserts, snow cones, cider, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.
“The food is always a highlight at these types of events. The Food Services Team is very talented and creative. The benefit of community events like this is that staff, community members, and residents can come together and enjoy something out of the ordinary!”
~Shirley A., GEF Sakaw Terrace
Making a Difference Together
Across our communities, more than 1,000 residents, family members, friends, and staff came together, with staff also welcoming their own families to join the celebrations. Approximately 80 amazing volunteers supported the events, and 50 door prizes were handed out along the way!
WinterFEST also featured a donation booth for our Brighten the Lives of Seniors Campaign, which concluded on February 28. Every contribution to our Quality of Life Fund helps support meaningful programs, experiences, and celebrations like WinterFEST across our communities.
Keep the Joy Going All Year Long!
Our WinterFEST events came together thanks to the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and community supporters. Want to help bring more joy to seniors in the year ahead? Here’s how you can get involved:
💙 Work with us – Join our caring team that makes a difference for seniors.
💙 Volunteer – Help create fun and memorable moments for our residents and tenants.
💙 Donate – Every contribution brings enriching opportunities and connection to seniors in our communities.
WinterFEST brought a little extra warmth and cheer to our lodges this season. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s celebrations a success!
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!
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!
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.