As Canada Day celebrations take place with planned barbecues, parades, and parties, Nikole Honing will be helping bring the holiday to seniors at Bellevue Park Senior Living in Aldergrove. The 22-year-old concierge and resident ambassador plans to spend the day helping residents enjoy a Canada Day barbecue and live music event at the residence. “When our amazing team dresses up on theme, it really helps the residents get into spirit and makes it fun for everyone,” Honing said. She is always the first one to
dress up and get involved. Honing joined Bellevue when the residence officially opened in September 2024. Now that she has settled in her role, she looks forward to helping residents and families navigate services, answers questions, and assists people. She said favourite part of the job is getting to know the people who live there. “I make it my daily goal to help and assist the residents in any way I can,” she said. “It gives me great joy to work for the residents.” Honing
acknowledged holidays can carry mixed emotions for the residents. Even though the events can bring back happy memories of family traditions, they can also be difficult for those who have lost loved ones or no longer celebrate. “Holidays are often associated with family gatherings, traditions and being surrounded by loved ones,” Honing said. “When residents no longer have family nearby, have lost loved ones, or are unable to celebrate the way they once did, these times of year can bring feelings of loneliness, sadness and
isolation.” That is why she believes recognizing special occasions matters. Organizing events, decorating shared spaces, sharing meals and spending time with residents helps staff create opportunities for connection and conversation. “Festive events at Bellevue Park mean the most for the residents,” she said. “It gives residents something to look forward to, brings back cherished memories, provides joy and connection, and gives them a sense of belonging.” Born and raised in Aldergrove, Honing has her own Canada Day memories. As a child, she attended local parades
and travelled to White Rock with family to take part in celebrations along the waterfront. “It has always been a special holiday for me as it brings my family together,” she said. Honing noted that gathering extended family has become more difficult over the years, but she still looks forward to celebrating with her Bellevue community. This year on Canada Day, she hopes residents will enjoy the chance to gather together, share stories, and make some new memories.
Aldergrove, Canada Day, seniors, Bellevue Park Senior Living, Nikole Honing, concierge, resident ambassador, barbecue, live music
Love seeing stuff like this honestly.
So she works there and dresses up? Good for her I guess. But are they actually letting seniors decide what they want or is it just forced holiday cheer?
Wait 22-year-old concierge doing Canada Day for seniors… I thought Canada Day was like fireworks and stuff. Does Bellevue Park have like a parade too or is it just barbecue and music? Also why do they say “resident ambassador” like it’s a brand thing?
I don’t know, holidays are weird. My cousin worked at a seniors place and they always do events but half the people don’t even want to go, they’re still sad after losing someone. I guess dressing up helps a little though. I just wish they’d spend more time 1-on-1 instead of decorating shared spaces like that fixes loneliness or whatever.