Minister’s Seniors Service Awards

Rosalie Gelderman – Edmonton

Rosalie Gelderman, a devoted advocate for seniors, has dedicated over four decades to seniors’ well-being in Alberta and beyond. Her extensive contributions include over a decade of impactful work with the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, where she played a pivotal role in shaping projects such as the seniors home supports program, diversity resources for seniors centres, and outreach service models, leveraging her insights, extensive connections, and wisdom. With 26 years at Operation Friendship Seniors Society and subsequent roles as the Aging in Place Project Coordinator in Edmonton, Rosalie has been a catalyst for innovative strategies, ensuring housing and support for marginalized seniors. Her extensive volunteerism, spanning 28 years, includes chairing the Keiskamma Canada Foundation, which supports South African seniors, and serving on many non-profit and community boards. She is known for fostering community understanding, safety, and compassionate responses in all her roles. 

Rosalie is a positive role model and is described by her colleagues as a one-woman harm reduction program, embodying quiet determination in her decades-long commitment to improving the lives of seniors. Rosalie’s exceptional service, wealth of knowledge, and unwavering dedication to serving Alberta seniors across multiple sectors stands as a testament to over four decades of quiet activism, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those she has touched.

Cathy Hume – Diamond Valley

Cathy Hume, with a senior living career spanning over 30 years, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating positive experiences within the housing and healthcare sector for older adults. Beginning as a recreation therapist, and advancing to leadership roles, Cathy’s volunteer efforts have been transformative. She challenges stereotypes of aging, champions innovation, and has spearheaded impactful initiatives, fundraising events, skills development conferences, and award programs for honouring volunteers in the community. 

As President of Calgary Seniors Housing Forum Society for 14 years, Cathy tirelessly fundraised and ensured timely information was brought to Calgary seniors. Her leadership extends to the Creative Aging Calgary Society, where she secured funding for community-based arts programs during the pandemic. Cathy’s influence also reaches advisory roles at the University of Calgary and the City of Calgary, where she actively contributes to age-friendly initiatives. Her visible presence and passions ensure that thousands of vulnerable seniors have a voice and access to crucial information and supports.
 

William (Bill) Steinburg – Spruce Grove

Bill Steinburg, a dedicated volunteer with a background in healthcare and a strong commitment to community service, has been an unwavering advocate for seniors since the early 1990’s. His extensive volunteering journey began with a 15 year tenure on the Neighbourlink Parkland Board, focused on providing companionship and financial support to residents of Spruce Grove, Stony Plan and Parkland County. Elected to the Spruce Grove City Council in 1983, serving as Mayor from 1989 to 1992 and returning to serve on council until 2017, Bill consistently championed for seniors’ recreation, securing funding for crucial projects, including the Spruce Grove Golden Age Club seniors facility.

Bill has also served St. Michael’s Long Term Care Centre as a board member, contributing to overall governance, volunteering recruitment, and fundraising. Notably, he chairs the construction project for the new St. Michael’s Fenwyck Heights supportive living facility in Spruce Grove. To date, the committee has raised $7 million.

Bill’s tireless dedication extends to active participation in events, recruiting volunteers, and ensuring seniors under St. Michael’s care receive the attention and support they deserve. Bill Steinburg's lifelong commitment to senior care and community service has left an indelible mark on St. Michael’s Health Group and the broader Spruce Grove community. 
 

Alzheimer Society of Alberta and NWT – Edmonton

The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories has been a hallmark of hope for families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias for several decades. Their outstanding service in support of Alberta’s seniors is evident though their diverse range of programs and initiative. They provide crucial support through care partner support groups, educational workshops, and a 24/7 helpline; equipping seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the challenges of a dementia diagnosis. Furthermore, they work with organizations such as Drive Happiness, providing education and support to frontline service providers to recognize and respond to the signs of Alzheimer’s in their clients.

The Alzheimer’s Society actively advocates for seniors' rights, raises awareness about the unique issues of seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, and works towards public policy changes that enhance the quality of life for seniors. Additionally, their community engagement efforts foster an environment of understanding and empathy, encouraging intergenerational activities, reducing social isolation and enhancing the overall well-being of seniors.

The impact of the Alzheimer Society's work is immeasurable to families and seniors living with the disease. The organization has successfully reduced isolation, increased the quality of life for seniors living with dementia, empowered caregivers with essential resources and support, contributed to groundbreaking research in dementia, and increased public awareness, thereby reducing stigma.

Photo: Dr. George Andrews, Deema AbouRizk, Ambere Porter, and Marc Poulin

Green Acres Foundation - Lethbridge

Green Acres Foundation provides affordable seniors’ housing in Southern Alberta and plays a crucial role in supporting the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network (LEARN) by providing innovative services to ensure the safety and well-being of older adults in the community. One outstanding initiative is the LEARN Safe Suite, a collaborative effort between the Green Acres Foundation, LEARN, and Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. This program offers a safe and secure residential placement in Green Acres Foundation lodges for seniors at imminent risk of abuse, providing a temporary haven until more permanent accommodations and additional supports can be arranged. The Foundation’s willingness, flexibility, and capacity to implement this service illustrates their commitment to upholding the dignity of vulnerable seniors. The success of the safe suite concept meets the evolving needs of the community's most vulnerable seniors.

The partnership between Green Acres Foundation and Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization exemplifies the power of collaboration. Providing housing allows clients to receive safe accommodations and necessary services, facilitating their transition from abusive situations to a supportive environment. This innovative approach to elder abuse sheltering has gained interest from the government due to its positive outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Personal testimonials affirm the program's impact, highlighting the success stories of seniors who have found safety, support, and a renewed sense of happiness at Green Acres Foundation lodges.

Photo: Cynthia Papworth and Roger Hohm

Happy 50+ Association – Calgary

Happy 50+ Association, a non-profit organization established in 2018 by a dedicated group of experienced healthcare providers and community volunteers, provides support and community-building for seniors in Alberta. The association strives to be a leading partner in integrating community and health services for the Chinese community within the existing healthcare and social services network. The focus on creating a positive environment for seniors is evident through a variety of activities, including social opportunities, fitness classes, skill development, entertaining performances, door-to-door chats and visits, and holiday celebrations. Happy 50+ Association has not only achieved its goals but has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of seniors, benefitted their mental health and fostered a strong sense of belonging in society.

The association's commitment to fostering a sense of community and belonging is exemplified by its efforts to provide social connection and activities in both physical and virtual spaces. Through workshops and cultural celebrations organized by its leaders, Happy 50+ Association encourages interaction and knowledge sharing between youth and senior groups. Additionally, the organization facilitates sharing of information and resources, inviting professional speakers to share healthcare knowledge with seniors face-to-face.

Volunteer support is a cornerstone of their initiatives, training them to assist in areas such as basic health care aide services, technology assistance, language skills, and grocery purchases and delivery. Collaborating with a range of organizations extends its reach to provide comprehensive support to seniors. The impact of Happy 50+ Association on the Calgary Community is undeniable, with over 10,000 seniors served. The association builds a robust community where members support each other and appreciate diverse cultures.

Photo: Ray Zhang and Zhishu Guo
 

United Active Living Inc. – Calgary

United Active Living Inc.’s senior retirement homes in Calgary transform the experience of getting older, enhancing the health and well-being of residents and create community. Their philosophy, since 1991, is to transform the experience of aging. The program is an integrated-living model that is the first of its kind in Canada and supported by “United Minds” service which is one of the many memory care programs in North America. From educational workshops to intergenerational connections with post-secondary partners, United Active Living promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging, creating an environment that is nurturing and stimulating.

The organization held its first annual Innovation Fair in September 2023, encouraging employees from the senior’s serving sector to share ideas on enhancing resident safety, food services, and operations. From the submissions and research, two models were put into place: (1) “Universal Access to Point of Care”, uses the technology system across departments for safety monitoring of residents; and (2) “Art Across All Ages”, an intergenerational art program with residents and school age children. Through their work and evaluative processes, United Active Living continues to transform intergenerational collaboration, which improves the lives of participating seniors and children. 

Photo: Kim O’Brien, Jamie Fewchuk, Sylvie Kavugho, and Christy Armamento-Moneva
 

Joyce Wicks – Sundre

Joyce Wicks, a retired nurse with a decades-long volunteer legacy, has had a substantial impact in her community. Her contributions extend throughout the surrounding areas, and the province, notably as a key member of the Sundre Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee. Her dedication shines through in initiatives such as the Sundre Seniors Go Virtual classes, addressing the technological needs of seniors, reducing seniors isolation, and arranging appreciation events for health care professionals. Moreover, her commitment to seniors is evident in the countless hours spent preparing hot lunches, fostering continuous learning, and securing grant funding to enhance their well-being.

Joyce’s advocacy spans to senior’s health, where she tirelessly seeks resources to enhance their well-being, organizes educational programs, and aids in housing arrangements for incoming healthcare professionals and their families. At Mountain View Seniors Housing Commission, Joyce organizes excursions to improve seniors’ mental health and get them out into the community. As a mentor and leader, Joyce exemplifies integrity, strength, perseverance, and respect, making her a true asset to the Sundre community. 
 

Linda R. S. Shepherd – Red Deer

Linda Shepherd has a passion for advocating for better services for seniors, amassing over 25 years of unwavering commitment to volunteer service at the Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre in Red Deer. Linda has significantly impacted her community through initiatives such as The Friendship Club, an inclusive social opportunity for seniors in Red Deer area to gather and made friendships. Serving as the chair of the Board of Directors for the Golden Circle, and through volunteering with Imagine Citizens Network, Linda has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making processes. For over 10 years Linda has distinguished herself as a United Way Ambassador and was also a leader on the board for the Central Alberta Council on Aging. As a wheelchair user, Linda is a passionate advocate for accessibility and disability supports and uses her experience to provide consultations and advice on improving accessibility. Notably, her years of persistent advocacy resulted in accessible transportation for seniors and people with disabilities within Red Deer County. Later, her involvement with Central Alberta Poverty Alliance, on the Transportation Action Committee, yielded substantial enhancements to the service. Finally, she volunteers with Alberta Health Services on their Patient Advisory Council; and with Nutrition Services, she acts as a nutrition advisor for seniors.

Linda’s influence extends far beyond her immediate community. Her remarkable  resilience, visionary leadership, and dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors in all aspects of life, highlights her exceptional volunteerism.