Our Janice DesJardins, Director and founding member of Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils (VCAFC), Vice Co-Chair of the Vancouver Coastal Health Regional Resident and Family Council Network (VCH RRFCN), and Founding Chair of Hilltop Long-Term Care Home, was nominated for the Community Service award. AgeCare proudly announced that this is the largest turnout of nominees ever for these awards! It just goes to show how many amazing seniors we have who begin their “giving back” journey after the age of 65!
Janice embodies the NEW SENIOR: confident, experienced and emboldened to challenge the status quo. When her community decided to change the name of a firehall “just because,” she challenged them to consult and to keep the heritage namesake – and they did!
Janice not only speaks out for causes she feels strongly about, but she also speaks out on behalf of those who cannot — those in long-term care, young people who need guidance, couples who need advice, and mentorship and connection building to others finding their way.
This NEW SENIOR is active, involved and passionate about issues that affect the community. Unlike our previous generation, where 65 was considered “old” and 70 was considered “over the hill.” Janice defies all that, and it is an example to all seniors coming after her that we must place ourselves in positions where we can be heard to influence change and build improvement in our community.
Though Janice did not come away with an award today, we all feel that Janice is a winner in community service and in our hearts.
