Seniors are mentors, volunteers and role models, but they’re rarely acknowledged for all they do. Since they began in 2014, AgeCare’s Seniors of Distinction Awards have celebrated the stand-out seniors at select communities across Alberta and BC. Every day, our older community members use their time, energy and talents to make an impact, and the Seniors of Distinction Awards recognize their amazing achievements!
On October 4th, the AgeCare Harmony Court Seniors of Distinction Awards Ceremony took place. This year we were excited to hold the awards at the Shadbolt Centre, which provided even more capacity for attendees to come and celebrate! Thanks to all the community members, dignitaries, local politicians, and friends and family members of the nominees that joined us.
Through the nomination process, we heard so many inspiring stories of the valuable contributions seniors are making to our community. It was hard to pick just one winner in each category! Congratulations and thank you to all our nominees for everything you to do make the Burnaby and area community a better place to live.
With all of that said, we are excited to introduce our AgeCare Harmony Court Estate Seniors of Distinction Awards winners!
Val Saunders – Arts
Val Saunders has dedicated her life to selfless service. For an impressive 34 years, she has shared her musical talents by leading sing-along sessions at AgeCare Holyrood and other seniors communities in Mission and Maple Ridge. Val takes on the role of music director and accompanist for their annual talent show, adding vibrant joy to the lives of seniors through her music. Beyond her musical endeavors, she extends her caring nature to teaching line dancing at the local senior center twice a week, ensuring that physical activity and social engagement go hand in hand. Val is also a volunteer driver for seniors, helping with medical appointments and shopping. Her 30-year commitment to Girl Guides as a kitchen coordinator for Summers Kids Club demonstrates her passion for fostering growth and community spirit. Val’s dedication to enhancing the lives of others makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Margaret McKee – Leadership
Dianne, a long time friend of Margaret’s, accepted the award on Margaret’s behalf
Margaret McKee has displayed a lifelong commitment to serving and leading others. Her journey of service began as a nurse in her hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, a career path fueled by her deep sense of compassion and desire to make a difference. She later took on the role of President of the Elizabeth Fry Society, advocating tirelessly for the welfare of female prisoners and contributing to significant reforms within the prison system, including the establishment of Canada’s first halfway house. Margaret’s volunteer efforts extended far and wide, touching various aspects of her community, from the Eastern Ontario Figure and Precision Skating community to the Look Good, Feel Better organization, where she supported women undergoing cancer treatment. Her leadership shone brightly as she served on the boards of organizations like the Fraser River Discovery Centre, Century House, and the Seniors Services Society of BC, steering them through challenging times with unwavering dedication. Margaret’s ability to lead, inspire, and effect change is a direct result of her exceptional commitment to community service and volunteerism.
Phil Reporter – Community Service
Phil Reporter has dedicated his life to serving others, leaving an indelible mark throughout his 52-year teaching career in Africa, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. In retirement, his commitment to making a difference continued to shine through his extensive volunteer work in Burnaby, earning him the 2023 AgeCare Seniors of Distinction Award in the Community Service category. Phil has contributed over 2500 hours of service to Burnaby Hospital over the past 15 years after his wife received excellent care there. His volunteerism extended to organizations like the Red Cross, the Confederation Center Seniors’ Choir, Toastmasters, the Lion’s Club, and Burnaby Seniors Outreach Services, where he served as a Seniors’ Counselor, offering valuable conversations, a compassionate ear, and meaningful social interaction. Phil was also involved with the Neigh Squire Society’s Computer Comfort program, where he helped refurbish computers for disabled individuals. Throughout his lifetime of services Phil has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his community that deserves to be celebrated.
Eiji Yoshikawa – Healthy Living
Throughout his life, Eiji Yoshikawa has been dedicated to sharing the transformative power of boxing and its extension into humanitarian and community efforts. Beginning as a professional boxer in Japan and later becoming a boxing trainer, Eiji’s journey expanded beyond the ring to make a profound impact on the lives of under-supported and impoverished boxers and their families in the Philippines. For years, he served not only as a trainer but also as a tireless fundraiser, providing support to these families and empowering them to break free from poverty’s grip. Eiji’s commitment to promoting well-being and self-defense further emerged through his “MamaFight” boxing class for women, an initiative that became the Outfight Parkinson’s program at the Kenko Wellness Lounge in Burnaby. Here, he has volunteered his time for countless years, using the motions of boxing training to alleviate the struggles faced by seniors dealing with Parkinson’s disease, offering them improved range of motion and comfort. Beyond these remarkable contributions, Eiji’s true power lies in his ability to inspire others to aim higher and chase their dreams. He has shared his inspiring stories and life examples with schools and colleges, both in Canada and internationally, motivating youth to dream big and persevere. Eiji’s fundraising exhibitions, where he takes on champion Canadian boxers less than half his age, further serve as a testament to his determination to uplift not only himself but also the boxing families in the Philippines. Eiji’s lifelong dedication to the physical and emotional well-being of others makes him a most deserving recipient of the Healthy Living Award.
While this ceremony was all about our winners, we couldn’t have made it happen with out our amazing sponsors. Thank you to all of these local business for supporting our event and making it possible for us to recognize these deserving folks.
Our goal is to double the number of Seniors of Distinction Awards nominations we receive next year, so start thinking about an inspiring senior in your life that you could help us recognize. It could be a friend, a neighbour, a family member, or a community member who you’ve noticed making a positive impact. We can’t wait to hear their stories and celebrate their love and dedication for our communities!
All photos taken by Lisa King at TwinLens Photography
