Clocks Go Ahead on March 8th for the Last Time

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On Sunday, March 8th at 2am the clocks will go forward one hour. This marks the final time the clocks will change in the province of BC.

On March 2, David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, announced that the province will switch to daylight savings time permanently. The clocks will not fall back this coming November. The new time zone will be called Pacific Time.  You can read more about this change here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-adopting-year-round-daylight-time-9.7111657

Reminder for staff scheduled to work over the time change

The FBA agreement (Article 20.06), CBA agreement (Article 27.16) and HSPBA agreement (Article 24.10) contain language that is consistent with Article 26.06 of the NBA collective agreement:
“Employees shall be paid for actual hours worked when scheduled to work the nights of the standard/daylight savings time changes. It is understood that this pay will be straight time.”
For example, under these four agreements, during the switch from daylight savings time in the spring when clocks are put forward one hour, if an employee were to work 6.5 hours instead of 7.5 hours, they will be paid for 6.5 hours. During the return to standard time in the fall when the clocks are put back one hour, if an employee were to work 8.5 hours instead of 7.5 hours, they will be paid for 8.5 hours at straight time.

MEMO: IT Support Requests – Please Use the Adaptive Support Desk

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Date:   February 27, 2026
To:       All Menno Place Employees
From:  Menno Place Administration and Adaptive Technical
Re:      IT Support Requests – Please Use the Adaptive Support Desk
___________

Menno Place values our partnership with Adaptive Technical and the professional, reliable IT support they provide to our community.

To ensure timely, consistent, and fair service for everyone, Menno Place and Adaptive have agreed that all IT issues and requests must be directed through Adaptive’s Support Desk. Adaptive’s Support Desk is now fully equipped to receive requests, provide timely assistance, and will ensure that the appropriate technical resources are involved when needed.

Please note the following: All IT requests must go to the Adaptive Support Desk.

  • Use the Adaptive Help App on your computer’s tool bar
  • Contact the Support Desk directly:
    • Through the Support Services requestor page:
      https://mennoplacestaff.com/ilinks/support-services-requestor/

    • By email to support@beadaptive.ca
    • By calling 2241 on campus, or 604 357 3456. Reaching Adaptive by phone is the best method if you require support URGENTLY
    • Support is 24/7 x 365. Adaptive is available whenever you need help! After hours, please leave a message and someone will return your call.

Individual Adaptive staff should not be contacted personally for IT support. Adaptive staff will redirect personal requests to the Support Desk which reflects their commitment to providing good service through the shared process we have established.

If you have questions or concerns about this process, please speak with your supervisor.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping our systems – and our partnerships – work well.

Pink Shirt Day: Sprinkle Kindness Everywhere

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February 25 is Pink Shirt Day – an annual event in Canada that raises awareness and funds for anti-bullying programs. This year Pink Shirt Day is focusing on small acts of kindness. Sprinkle kindness everywhere you go.

Looking for some ideas? The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is full of practical suggestions including:

  • Say hi to the person next to you on the elevator.
  • Post inspirational sticky notes around your neighborhood, office, etc.
  • Everyone is important. Learn the names of your office security guard, the person at the front desk and other people you see every day.
  • Have a LinkedIn account? Write a recommendation for coworker or connection.
  • Send a gratitude email to a coworker who deserves more recognition.
  • When you’re throwing something away on the street, pick up any litter around you and put that in the trash too.
  • Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.
  • When you hear that discouraging voice in your head, tell yourself something positive — you deserve kindness too!

You can find a complete list of suggestions here: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-kindness-blog/2943-50-kindness-ideas-for-random-acts-of-kindness-day

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Dementia Education Series Continues on March 11th

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We are pleased to invite you to attend the second session of our Dementia Education Series, Perceptions in Dementia.

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Menno Hospital Chapel
Presenter: Dr. Atul Nanda, Geriatric Psychiatrist

Dr. Nanda will lead this informative session and share valuable insights into the care and management of individuals living with dementia. This session offers an excellent opportunity to deepen understanding and enhance the support we provide to our residents.

We strongly encourage all staff members and family partners to attend and benefit from Dr. Nanda’s expertise.

We look forward to your participation.

Kind regards,
Smitha Varghese
Director of Care,
Menno Home and Hospital

PVPC March 2nd: Cancelled

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The Violence Prevention workshop scheduled for Monday, March 2nd has been CANCELLED. 

The next opportunity to take this workshop is May 4th. All participants must complete the prerequisites on Surge learning and register here: https://mennoplacestaff.com/vp-workshops/

Thank You for Donating Yarn for Prayer Shawls!

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We have received dozens of balls of yarn for our volunteers to knit and crochet into prayer shawls. Thank you!

When the group meets later this month they will have a shelf full of colours to choose from. With your help they will create shawls that will bring warmth, comfort and a touch of home to residents and their families.

The prayer shawl program is ongoing. If you would like to donate yarn  please drop it off with any of the LEAs in the apartments or bring it to the main entrance of Menno Hospital.

Planning a Spring Break Trip? Check Perkopolis for Savings

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Did you know that Perkopolis offers discounts on Disneyland tickets, New Balance running shoes and even airport parking at YVR? There are over 5,000 offers and perks available to all Menno Place staff. Just go to https://www.perkopolis.com/ to create your account and start exploring the savings.

To set up your account:

  1. Go to www.Perkopolis.com
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Look for an email from Perkopolis with a link to complete your registration with your member ID code
  4. What is your Member ID Code? MENNO + your site location + your employee ID

What is your site location code?

  • Menno Hospital: MN 
  • Menno Home: MH 
  • Menno Apartments: HSG 
  • MBS: MBS 

Example: If Jane is employee #271 and she works at Menno Home her Member ID code would be MENNOMH271

SGP Employee Perks Program

You can find even more savings through the SGP Employee Perks Program. Download the PDF to learn about savings on paint, flooring, furniture and more.

Download SGP booklet

Staff Appreciation Awards – Honouring Achievements in 2025

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On February 5, 2026, Menno Place gathered to celebrate the annual Team Appreciation Awards—a tradition we have held for the past 12 years. This annual event is a chance to say thank you, to honour faithfulness, and to recognize the quiet, daily acts of compassion that shape the lives of residents and families across their campus.

This year 94 staff members were recognized, including special honours for four staff reaching 30 years of service, one reaching 40 years, and one reaching an extraordinary 45 years with Menno Place. Altogether the 94 staff members represent a remarkable 1,076 combined years of service—a legacy of care, consistency, and commitment that has touched thousands of lives.

Serving at Menno Place Since 1981

Our 45-year honouree, Ester Darco, joined the Housekeeping and Laundry team back in 1981. Nik Van Egdom, Manager of Environmental Services, described Ester as “a wonderful housekeeper who goes out of her way to make sure the residents feel loved.”

Our 40-year honoree, Vannareth Chang is part of the Dining Experience team. Her manager highlighted her thoughtful eye for improvement and her heart for making things better for residents and colleagues alike.

Four members of the care team were recognized for 30 years of service in Menno Home and Menno Hospital and each one was recognized by their manager:

  • Lana Bessett was praised for her willingness to teach and lead by example.
  • Deirdre Rosie was celebrated for her care rooted in dignity and kindness.
  • Ronald Simon was appreciated for keeping residents’ concerns close to heart and faithfully following through.
  • Heather Taylor was admired for always putting residents first and treating each person with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

In addition to long-service awards, three Outstanding Achievement Awards were presented—Everyday Hero, Living Our Values, and Best Leader. These awards carry special meaning because the recipients are nominated by the members from all across the Menno Place community.  This year, nearly 100 nominations were submitted by residents, families, and staff, recognizing 78 staff members from every team and every area of our campus. These nominations are powerful affirmation of trust, impact, and everyday excellence.

This year’s winners were:

  • Best Leader – Lana Harder, Housekeeping and Laundry
  • Everyday Hero – Julie Toopitsin, LPN
  • Living Our Values – Rhonda Henderson, Housekeeping and Laundry

We believe that honouring our staff is not just a good organizational practice—it is part of our calling. We are guided by a commitment to serve with compassionate Christian care, and we recognize that this care is lived out daily through the hands, hearts, and faithfulness of their people.

As Sujata Connors shared in closing, “We know that God is here at Menno Place. I see it every single day. Thank you for continuing to work here and support our mission to provide wonderful, compassionate, Christian care for our residents and for each other.”

Event Photos

To view images from the event go to the google album here: Go to Gallery

To download any of the images, click on the image then click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the dropdown menu. Select download from the menu to save the photo.

You can also watch a video of the event at the bottom of this post.

How to Collect Your Gift

If you reached a milestone in 2025 we have a gift for you! Gifts for 5 and 10 years of service can be collected from your manager. Gifts for 15 or more years can be picked up from Loradonna Botter. All gifts need to be picked up within 30 business days. A full list of recipients can be found below.