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 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
November 1-10, 2024 – Exhibition Place, Toronto
Are you looking for a memorable day activity for your residents?
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is taking place this November 1-10. Your residents are invited to attend the fair from Monday, November 4 to Wednesday, November 6 between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! If you attend on those dates and times, your residents will be greeted by a friendly Royal Fair team member who will provide a short guided tour, and help familiarize them with the fair’s layout and key areas of interest.
Residents will have the opportunity to sample local and international culinary delights, shop in the artisan vendor area, get up close with the animals in the barns and so much more!
This special visit is designed to offer a relaxing, enjoyable day where your residents can explore at their own pace, making it an ideal and turn key outing for retirement communities.
If the dates or times above don’t work for your community, come visit at another more convenient time! View the poster to learn more about this year’s activities and attractions for seniors. To purchase tickets please click here. Discount applies to all guests 65+ years young.
Humber College Winter 2025 Culinary and Recreation Field Placement Opportunities
January 8 to April 22, 2025
Humber College is looking for partners, including retirement communities, to host students for their field experience placements for the upcoming winter semester.
If you are interested in hosting a student, please create a profile and post a position in less than 10 minutes here.
Some of the programs where students are available for field placements include:
Culinary Management – Diploma
7 weeks, 32 hours per week for a minimum total of 220 work hours
Between January 8 to February 28, 2025 or March 10 to April 22, 2025
Culinary Skills – Ontario College Certificate
14 weeks, 16 hours per week for a minimum total of 220 work hours
Between January 8 to April 22, 2025
Recreating and Leisure Services – Diploma
12 weeks, 21 hours per week for a total of 250 total hours
Between January 8 to April 22, 2025
Paid opportunities are encouraged, as students may use paid employment opportunities to fulfill their field experience requirements. Offering paid opportunities may also increase the applicant pool and attract the top candidates.
Most students will be available for full-time employment following completion of their field placement. In lieu of pay, employers can choose to offer stipends or honorariums. Unpaid opportunities will be accepted.
If you have any questions or need assistance setting up your profile, please reach out to Andrew Bascome, Placement Advisor at Humber College directly.
Centre for Immigrant & Community Services: Free Workplace English Pilot Program for Personal Support Workers (PSW)
October 2024 – August 2025
The Centre for Immigrant and Community Services, a non-profit organization empowering newcomers through diverse, professional and innovative services, has recently launched their Workplace English for Personal Support Worker (PSW) Program.
This is a pilot program funded and monitored by the Ontario government. It offers tailored English training specifically for PSWs, focusing on both oral and written communication in the workplace. This training is offered to help enhance workplace clarity and boost confidence. The program highlights are as follows:
The first program cohort begins in October and will run until August 2025. Those who are interested in enrolling in the program or have questions can contact Wendy Wu at wendy.wu@cicscanada.com.
WoodGreen’s Building Maintenance Operator Training Program
July – December 2024
The WoodGreen Building Maintenance Operator Training program (BMOT) will produce upwards of 36 skilled, individuals ready to work as Environmental Aides at retirement homes and congregate living settings in 2024.
The BMOT program equips individuals with technical skills in building maintenance, covering areas such as plumbing, electrical systems, carpentry, and more. Participants also receive training in customer service, safety protocols (WHMIS, AODA), and managing aggressive behavior (UMAB certification). Prior to acceptance into the program, each participant undergoes a rigorous screening process to ensure their suitability. During the program, each successful participant completes ORCA’s mandated courses for orientation and yearly completion on the TLC Portal.
If you would like to explore a potential collaboration hosting one (or more) candidates for an 8-week work job trial or consider a graduate for hire, please reach out to Miquela Leahy: mleahy@woodgreen.org | 437-240-9271.
World’s Largest Palliative Care ECHO Session
October 18, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. – online and in-person at McGill University
Experience history in the making at the World’s Largest Palliative Care ECHO session!
On October 18, 2024, the Palliative Care ECHO Project, led by Pallium Canada and its partners, will make history as they host the world’s largest palliative care ECHO session at McGill University’s International Palliative Care Congress in Montreal.
Join thousands of health care professionals from around the world to participate virtually in a discussion with internationally renowned palliative care guest speakers, gain insights into innovative approaches to palliative care, and advance primary palliative care.
Learn more and register here.
Centre for Innovation (CFI) 2024 Conference
November 11-13, 2024 – Grand Rapids, Michigan
The annual Center for Innovation (CFI) 2024 conference is taking place this November 11 to 13 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This year’s theme is “Grow Bolder: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact!” The event has an incredible lineup of speakers, presentations, and pre-conference events in store, including tours of two Green House Homes in Grand Rapids and Detroit.
Attending CFI 2024 provides delegates the opportunity to learn from experts who offer insights on leading edge dementia care, senior living innovation, agetech, inclusion, and much more.
To learn more about the event and register, please click here.
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.
Invitation to participate in “A Decision Support Tool to Prescribe Recreation Activities to Older Adults in Social Isolation (℞OSI)”
University of Ottawa Study
A Ph.D. candidate from the University of Ottawa is conducting a study to develop a tool to assist retirement living staff in recommending suitable recreational activities to older adults who are not as socially engaged as they could be in their communities. In this research, the study considers someone as a social prescriber if they have experience working directly with seniors for at least one full year in areas like recreation, healthcare, social work, or senior-focused research, and is comfortable answering questions in English. These qualifications determine who can participate in the study.
Participation in the study involves completing one in-depth interview, which will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The interview will be conducted remotely via Zoom or telephone, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Your privacy and confidentiality will be strictly maintained, and you can choose not to answer any question or withdraw from the study at anytime without consequences.
To learn more, please click here. If interested, please indicate your consent by contacting nbaga065@uottawa.ca. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.