Vancouver, BC, Canada – Four outstanding seniors who serve as inspirations in their communities were honoured today at the third annual Leisure Care Lighthouse Awards luncheon hosted by David Podmore, President & CEO of Concert Properties Ltd.
B.C.’s third annual Lighthouse Awards are organized by The O’Keefe Retirement Community in partnership with Concert, the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Community Services, BC Housing, Vancouver, Coastal Health, and The Vancouver Sun. The Lighthouse Awards began several years ago in the United States by Leisure Care Retirement Communities, a Seattle-based company.
“All too often hidden heroes in our community go unnoticed for the impact they make and the many ways in which they change the world we live in”, said David Podmore, President & CEO, Concert Properties. “It is concert’s honour to once again sponsor these annual Lighthouse Awards as we celebrate seniors as important contributors and inspirations to us and our future generations”.
The awards recognize seniors in four categories. The Shining Light Award was presented to 82-year-old Sister Elizabeth Kelliher, who has spent a lifetime in service to those less fortunate. The Philanthropy Award was awarded to community activist Dr. Raghbir Bains, who has a long history of volunteer work. The Wisdom of Age Mentorship Award was won by Aya Higashi for her many years as a dedicated teacher. The Picture of Health Award was presented to Edna Lee, who leads Chi Kung classes for her neighbours.
This year’s judges were Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors’ and Women’s Issues; Shayne Ramsay, CEO, BC Housing; John Sproule, Vice President of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement, Vancouver Coastal Health, Lizette Parsons Bell, Director, Corporate & Community Relations, Concert Properties Ltd., and Mike Rutigliano, Vice-President of Classifieds, CanWest Mediaworks Publications Inc.
“The finalist for this year’s Lighthouse Awards are all true leaders in their communities and they are all deserving of our recognition and appreciation,” said Podmore. “They serve as inspirations and demonstrate how seniors today are continuing to contribute to society well into their retirement years.”
About The O’Keefe Retirement Community
Located on the former site of the Carling O’Keefe brewery in Vancouver’s west side, The O’Keefe offers a lifestyle designed to promote wellness, elegance and fun with values that are founded on professionalism, integrity and respect.
Owned by Concert Properties, The O’Keefe is Concert’s first retirement community and earned the 2003 Grand SAM Award from the Canadian Home Builders' Association, recognizing outstanding performance in both the building and marketing of a single project.
The O’Keefe is managed by Leisure Care Retirement Communities – one of the largest privately-owned retirement and assisted living operators with an outstanding reputation for providing quality and innovative senior services. Leisure Care has been providing seniors housing for almost 30 years and is committed to providing an independent lifestyle for seniors in a community setting infused with “Five Star Fun.” www.theokeefe.com About Concert Properties
Concert is an award-winning diversified real estate enterprise involved in developing and acquiring commercial and industrial properties, rental housing, multi-family condominium housing, seniors living communities, and resort developments in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
About Concert Properties
Concert is an award-winning diversified real estate enterprise involved in developing and acquiring commercial and industrial properties, rental housing, multi-family condominium housing, seniors living communities, and resort developments in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. www.ConcertProperties.com
For media inquiries contact:
Heather Harley
Telephone: 604.602.3713
Email: HHarley@ConcertProperties.com