Seasons Retirement Communities’ vision is ‘CONNECT CARE CHANGE™.’ The company passionately believes that when they take the time to genuinely connect with those around them and show that they care, they can effect positive change in the lives of their residents. Seasons’ mission is to deliver meaningful WOW moments to its residents by proactively learning who they are and understanding what is most important to them, then exceeding their expectations at every interaction. To achieve exceptional customer service, they work to be “brilliant at the basics,” seeking out opportunities like these in their residents’ lives because they know how important it is to have them feel at home.
But something significant happens when Seasons exemplifies this commitment to their residents; the seniors, unwaveringly supported by their team members, are doing amazing things in their communities. For instance, their signature Seniorosity™ program allows residents to build friendships, provide meaning, and spread joy. In addition, its long-standing Remarkable Residents contest invites loved ones and team members to nominate a resident who has overcome obstacles to reach their goals and become an exemplary member of society. Seasons has also partnered with Food Banks Canada since 2016; its homes are committed to fighting food insecurity by collecting non-perishable items during their company-wide One Can Make a Difference Challenge in July and Holiday Food Drive in December, contributing over a quarter of a million dollars of food and funds, and counting.
Here are a couple of stories from the year that show Seasons’ connectedness:
Joan, a very active resident at Seasons Cambridge, is always eager to lend a helping hand. After being inspired by a story about a man who walked 100 laps around his garden at 100, she proclaimed, “I’m 97 years old, and I want to do 97 laps for charity!” Joan is passionate about collecting for the Cambridge Food Bank because she believes it significantly impacts so many people. “We are so inspired by Joan’s dedication to giving back and choosing to support the Cambridge Food Bank,” said Sarah Tooze, Development Manager at the Cambridge Food Bank. Joan’s ‘Footsteps For Food’ initiative ran for one month and raised over $1,600!
In the face of spreading wildfires, Seasons Drayton Valley had to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents quickly. Of the 70 residents evacuated, approximately half found solace and comfort by reuniting with their families, while the remaining half were offered a temporary home at Seasons Wetaskiwin. Recognizing the importance of uninterrupted care, Seasons went above and beyond to support its dedicated team members. Hotel accommodations were promptly secured in Wetaskiwin, enabling the staff to continue their exceptional work and provide unwavering support to the residents they serve. Although faced with relocating with limited belongings, Seasons Drayton Valley ensured its residents lacked nothing. By procuring essential items upon their arrival in Wetaskiwin, the Seasons team showed extraordinary dedication to making this transitional period as comfortable and seamless as possible. The outpouring of support, kindness, and donations from the Wetaskiwin community was remarkable. The residents of Seasons Drayton Valley found fellowship and encouragement in various social gatherings; from the excitement of Casino Night to the heartfelt celebrations of Mother’s Day and even a Fashion Show, there was never a shortage of shared moments and joyful connections.
Seasons High River residents came together to put smiles on local customers’ faces by surprising them with classic Tim Hortons drinks. In the Spring, they handed out a complimentary hot beverage with every order on behalf of the Seasons High River’s Seniorosity™ Team. Residents assisted staff by giving customers free drinks while chatting about the pleasant surprise. Seeing the residents experience such delight by providing customers with a beverage they weren’t expecting, free of cost, was beautiful.
Seasons Owen Sound hosted a heartwarming fundraising event this Summer, supporting their community’s beloved Second Chance Animal Sanctuary. The event occurred on “International Homeless Animal Day,” and an outpouring of compassion was witnessed from the area. The festivities included an engaging yard sale, a sizzling BBQ, and the hilariously competitive Pie-The-Manager contest. The collective effort and generosity raised an impressive total of $2,007, which was directly donated to Second Chance to help rescue and care for animals in need. This event marks the beginning of an annual tradition where Seasons Owen Sound will continue collaborating with the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary.
Seasons Strathroy residents Bill and Willa’s love story began in their early teens when they met through Willa’s brother. They bonded over card games and Sunday night dances at the Old Mill near Delaware, ON, which sowed the seeds of a lifelong connection. Their journey has seen them raise two sons, Ronald and Richard, and welcome granddaughters Melissa and Angela. Celebrating an astounding 70 years of marriage this Fall, Willa shared her simple yet profound advice: “Forget the small stuff.” Bill also added that it is important to have those arguments but then make up after. Their love and shared sense of humour have been vital to their life-long love. “Bill and Willa are such a fun and caring couple. They’re always offering a hand to assist around Seasons, making it a brighter place,” raves Rebecca McCullough, Fun Manager.
Margaret, a beloved Seasons Welland resident, celebrated her 106th birthday in the autumn! Born in Coleraine, Ireland, she moved to Toronto at age eight. She worked tirelessly, even returning to school, and eventually contributed significantly to the government through the Manpower program. Both love and loss have marked Margaret’s life. She married Ross just before he went off to war and sadly lost him shortly after that. Their legacy lives on through their daughter, two granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren. Margaret’s longevity secrets include a well-fed lifestyle, avoiding excess physical strain, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, daily exercise, and walking. “Communicate with your family and friends as much as you can and keep your loved ones on your mind daily,” mentions Margaret. Welland’s Mayor, Frank Campion, paid a special visit to Margaret, recognizing her profound impact on the community in celebration of her milestone birthday.
Cherished Seasons Wetaskiwin resident Jim is an invaluable community member, always going above and beyond with various programs and activities. From organizing card bingo events to caring for the community cat, Jim’s unwavering dedication has touched the hearts of everyone at the home. Inspired by Jim’s lifelong love for cars, Seasons Wetaskiwin team members worked to do something special to show appreciation for his selflessness. They organized a surprise that would delight any racing enthusiast’s heart. Jim was taken to the world-renowned Nascar International Racetrack at the Edmonton International Raceway for an unforgettable day filled with adrenaline and adventure. He geared up and experienced the thrill of a lifetime as he zoomed around the track, accompanied by skilled drivers and the enthusiastic race crew. “It was a wonderful experience, and I felt I was fulfilling a dream! The adrenaline rush on the racetrack was exhilarating, and I can’t thank Seasons enough for this amazing opportunity,” tells Jim, reflecting on his day at the track.
If you are looking for senior housing for your loved one and would like additional information about living at Seasons Retirement Communities, please click the Locations tab on our website and contact one of our Leasing Managers to learn more. As CEO Mike Lavallée shares, “Seasons is full of exceptional people who do extraordinary things every day.”