Canada Day Spirit is Timeless
Nikole Honing brings celebration to senior residents at Bellevue
Credit Aldergrove Star/Saman Dara
SPREADING CHEER: Aldergrove’s Nikole Honing, 22, is helping bring Canada Day celebrations to seniors at Bellevue Park Senior Living. Honing spoke about the importance of strengthening connections for residents during the holidays and special occasions.
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 into her role, she looks forward to helping residents and families navigate services, answer questions, and assists people.
She said her 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 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 residents,” she said.
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“It gives residents something to look forward to, brings back cherished memories, provides joy and connection, and gives them a sense of belonging.”
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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.
Nikole Honing grew up celebrating Canada Day at local parades in Aldergrove and trips to White Rock with her family. This picture is from July 2005 at Peace Arch border crossing. (Special to The Star)
“It has always been a special holiday for me as it brings my family together,” she said.
Honing notes that gathering extended family has been 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 change to gather together, share stories, and make some new memories.