Below is a list of upcoming events and opportunities hosted by ORCA Stakeholders and Commercial Partners that aim to educate, inform, and inspire ORCA Operator Members and the retirement community sector at large.
The following events are not endorsed by ORCA and are intended as resources only.
The RHRA’s 2025 Resident Champion Award
Nominations Open Until July 25, 2025
The RHRA is now accepting nominations for its annual Frank Kajfes Resident Champion Award, named in memory of the late Frank Kajfes, a dedicated advocate for seniors and former member of the RHRA’s Stakeholder Advisory Council. This annual award honours a retirement home resident who goes above and beyond to support and uplift their community.
The 2025 award recipient will be celebrated at the RHRA’s Annual General Meeting on September 17. If you know a resident who inspires others and embodies the spirit of community, nominate them by July 25 here and help to shine a light on the champions among us.
To learn more about this award and its criteria, please click here. If you have questions, contact the RHRA directly at communications@rhra.ca.
Champions of Senior Living Bursary Program
Submit Your Application by July 31
Applications are now open for the Champions of Senior Living Bursary, a national program run by the Senior Living CaRES Fund that provides $2,500 to support education or training for frontline team members in retirement communities and long-term care.
In addition to financial support, recipients are matched with a mentor and connected to a peer network focused on growth and leadership.
This program is a meaningful opportunity to support professional development in the senior living sector. To learn more about the bursary and eligibility, view this poster.
The application portal will remain open until July 31. To apply, please click here.
If you have questions about the bursary or application, please contact Senior Living CaRES directly at info@seniorlivingcares.ca.
2025 Global Ageing Network and LeadingAge Annual Meeting
November 1 to 5, 2025 | Boston, Massachusetts
The Global Ageing Network and LeadingAge invite you to their joint conference, welcoming 7,000 ageing services leaders and professionals from over 20 countries to Boston, Massachusetts, from November 1 to 5, 2025.
The conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, 150+ interactive workshops, a dedicated Global Ageing Summit on November 1, numerous networking opportunities, and so much more.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with global peers, explore best practices, and be part of the future of ageing services worldwide. View the schedule of events for more details.
For assistance or more information, please contact Shannon Davis, Program Director, Global Ageing Network, directly at SDavis@GlobalAgeing.org.
Support for Seniors – The Japanase Experience
April 11 to 18, 2026 | Tokyo, Japan
ORCA, in partnership with Dialog Health, is thrilled to invite you to participate in our international study tour: Support for Seniors – The Japanese Experience, taking place in Tokyo, Japan, from April 11 to 18, 2026!
This unique opportunity is designed for members to discover innovative and integrated senior care solutions by exploring Japan’s cutting-edge care system, balancing tradition and modernity.
Check out the detailed program to review the tour itinerary and activities. If you are interested in attending, please fill out the online registration form.
For any questions, please contact the program project manager, Marie Gaultier, at marie.gaultier@dialog-health.com.
CDI College: Helping ORCA Members Hire Skilled PSW & MOA Graduates
Hire a Graduate Today
CDI College is committed to addressing healthcare staffing shortages in Ontario’s retirement communities and is offering ORCA members exclusive access to their graduates. The college provides sector-focused training for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Medical Office Administrators (MOAs), who are trained to provide quality care and support. To learn more about this offer, view the poster. If you are interested in hiring a CDI College graduate or have questions, please contact Bernardo Robledo directly.
Across Generations Pen Pal Program
Connecting Seniors and Students
Across Generations, an organization led by undergraduates at Western University, is connecting seniors living in retirement communities and students through their Pen Pal Program.
The program is designed to provide emotional support and create lasting friendships through the exchange of monthly letters. Across Generations is currently collaborating with several retirement residences and is looking for more to join their initiative.
If you are interested in having your home and residents join the Pen Pal Program or have any questions, please contact acrossgens@gmail.com.