Tag: staff appreciation
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!
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!