Tag: yeg community

This Spring, we celebrated the shared efforts that help our GEF communities thrive. National Volunteer Week (April 19 to 25) and GEF Staff Appreciation Week (May 3 to 9) gave us an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of the staff and volunteers who support seniors across GEF communities every day.

The theme of Pride and Shared Responsibility continues to reflect the way our staff and volunteers show up for one another and for the seniors we serve. Whether stepping in to help when it is needed or working together to create welcoming environments, their shared responsibility ensures our communities remain supportive, respectful, and well cared for. This season has been a time to pause, reflect, take pride, and celebrate the meaningful contributions that strengthen our communities.

All of this comes back to our Vision of creating vibrant, affordable communities for seniors. Guided by our Mission to provide well-maintained housing where people feel safe, can live with dignity, and thrive – our work is grounded in our shared values, strengthening our communities, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people who call them home.

Our staff and volunteers’ dedication, coordination, and commitment to quality service make a meaningful difference across our communities.

Our Collective Impact

Across our 43 GEF communities, over 500 staff support nearly 4,000 seniors.

Our volunteer program also continues to grow:

  • 44 volunteers and 944 hours in 2023
  • 152 volunteers and 4,173 hours in 2024
  • 247 volunteers and 7,010 hours in 2025

Staff provide daily support and are the friendly, familiar faces our seniors see regularly. Volunteers spark engagement and create new opportunities in our buildings by participating in programs and sharing quality time with residents and tenants. Through their actions, both openly and behind the scenes, staff and volunteers help create communities where people feel respected and valued.

Our team of staff and volunteers create warm, caring interactions that make seniors feel understood and included.

Volunteer Week Highlights

During National Volunteer Week, we shared a series of videos highlighting the impact volunteers make across our communities. Tap each video below to watch.

🎥 Meet Leslie and Bear – bringing smiles and connection through Pet Therapy

🎥 Meet Miral – adding a splash of colour and creativity to our communities

🎥 Meet Linda – a dedicated volunteer who gives back in so many ways

🎥 Meet Cindy – a corporate volunteer from Old Navy

🎥 Discover what staff and seniors appreciate most about our volunteers.

Staff Appreciation Week

In honour of Staff Appreciation Week, residents and tenants shared what they value most in our GEF staff.

🎥 Hear heartfelt messages from seniors about what our staff means to them.

Thank You

GEF staff and volunteers support one another – showing up with teamwork, positivity, and a willingness to help.

To every staff member and every volunteer, thank you. ❤️

Your energy, pride, and commitment strengthen our communities every day, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.

For those looking for opportunities to join our team – be part of something that matters!

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!