Get 25% off on Purdys Chocolates!

It’s the most delicious time of the year!

In keeping with tradition Menno Place has signed up for a group Purdys order that means you can get 25% off your favorite holiday chocolates. Shop for your gifts or treat yourself, all of the holiday classics are here.

You can download a copy of the 2025 catalog by clicking on the image below:

When you’re ready to shop all orders can place your order online. (No more paper order forms!)

Go to https://www.purdys.com/group-savings

When you follow the link to the Purdys site it will ask for your email address to add you to the group. Click on REGISTER in the top right corner to create an online account.

To start your order you’ll need to JOIN A GROUP

Enter the Group Number: 38919

Once you’ve joined the group click SHOP ONLINE in the menu at the very top of the page to start shopping.

That will open the marketplace that looks like this:

 

Please order by Monday, November 24th. Chocolates will be ready for pick up on Monday, December 8th.

Thank you!

Reminder: 2026 Vacation Requests to be Submitted via Employee Portal

Reminder to all staff that 2026 first choice vacation requests are due in ONE WEEK – Saturday, November 1, 2025. See memo below for details and other reminders.

M E M O R A N D U M

Date: October 1, 2025
To: All Regular HEU Members
From: Staffing
Re: 2026 Vacation Requests to be submitted via Employee Portal
_____________________

Any holiday requests made on paper, email or via voicemail will NOT be approved. Please send all requests via GOLDCARE

First Choice Vacation Requests:

  • 1st choice Vacation Requests must be submitted by November 1, 2025

Second & Subsequent Vacation Requests:

  • 2nd and subsequent Vacation Requests must be submitted by December 1, 2025, this includes ALL remaining vacation hours.
  • A maximum of (5) days may be left unscheduled, BUT must be booked by August 1, 2026 (if not, Staffing will assign, and no changes are to be made)

Please Note:

  •  Staffing requires 14 days’ notice for time off requests.
  • Short notice time off requests (less than 14 days) must be approved by the department Manager. If approved by the Manager please forward to Staffing.
  • ALL 2026 vacation must be taken by December 31, 2026
  • 2026 vacation cannot be carried over and used in 2027.
  • Part time staff please note that vacation hours are approximate. Final calculations will be done at the end of June 2026.
  • Maximum number of staff off on vacation per day will vary depending on department and operational requirements.

 

Memo: Planned Power Outage Sunday Oct 26

Please be advised that BC Hydro has scheduled an electrical shutdown that will result in a power disruption affecting the entire Menno Place Campus and surrounding properties, on Sunday, October 26th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

  • This power outage will affect Menno Hospital, Primrose Gardens, Terrace West, and Terrace East.
  • This power outage should not affect Menno Pavilion.
  • Menno Home will have full power via generator backup

During this time, the following services will be impacted:

  • Apartment suites will be without power, including baseboard heating
  • Some Wi-Fi and phone services may be interrupted
  • Common areas will have partial lighting and heating
  • Main kitchens will have partial power therefore menus may be adjusted accordingly
  • Each building will have at least one elevator operational
  • Menno Home will have full power via generator backup
  • All other buildings will have generator backup for Essential services only

We recommend planning accordingly to minimize disruption to your work and ensure the safety and comfort of residents and staff. If you have any questions or require assistance preparing for this outage, please reach out to your supervisor or the Facilities team.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

If you get questions from families you can see the communications we sent out to families at the links below.

Menno Apartments: https://mennoplacelife.com/apartments/memo-planned-power-outage-tw-te-pg/

Menno Hospital: https://mennoplacelife.com/menno-hospital/memo-planned-power-outage-menno-hospital/

Learning Opportunity: Webinars for LTC Caregivers

Menno Home & Hospital Family Council would like to inform family and friends of 2 upcoming optional educational webinars.

Starting new habits: Cyber Month week 4

We all have routines that make life easier, like having bills set to autopay, meal prepping for busy weeks, or planning an outfit the night before for the next day. These small habits pay off by helping future you be prepared. Cyber security works the same way – starting a few small habits today can protect you from bigger problems in the future.

Week 4 of Cyber Month is all about forming everyday cyber security habits that can keep you safe from threats like malware , ransomware , and viruses. From being vigilant about what you download , to knowing how to spot suspicious files and AI-generated scams, this week is all about making cyber safety second nature.

Malware, ransomware, and safe downloading techniques

Malware is malicious software  created by cyber criminals. These programs can steal your data, damage your device, or lock your files until you pay to get them back (ransomware). They’re often disguised as downloadable files such as a free app, a coupon, a video, or even files disguised as something else, like a PDF.

One of the most effective habits you can start to prevent malware is to only download files or apps from trusted sources like official app stores or reputable websites. You should also avoid clicking download links from emails, texts, or messages from people that you don’t know. This week, we’ll discuss how to spot suspicious messages and files so future you can download anything confidently.

Anti-virus protection

Even the most cyber-secure person can make mistakes sometimes – and that’s where anti-virus software comes in. It scans for threats and detects problems before they can infect your device. It can also help remove malicious programs if your devices are compromised.

In some ways, anti-virus software  works like an alarm system for your devices. Having a trusted one in place means you’ll be less likely to fall victim to harmful downloads, infected links, and suspicious websites. This week, we’ll discuss how to choose the right anti-virus software for your needs and how getting into the habit of scanning your systems regularly can protect you from future headaches.

Spotting the signs of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool for work or personal use, but it’s also making cyber threats more sophisticated. Cyber criminals use these programs to write more convincing phishing messages, impersonate people you know, and create more realistic videos and websites that are harder to identify.

As technology advances, getting into the habit of critically analyzing messages, files, and downloads is more important than ever. This week, we’ll discuss how to spot the signs of AI-generated content like messages that are overly polished, voice calls that sound robotic or ‘off’ and content that seems suspiciously urgent.

Looking ahead

The habits you build today, like thinking twice before downloading and knowing how to spot AI, can add up to protect you in the future. This week, take a moment to learn how to protect your files, identity, time, and finances by getting cyber safe for the future.

Staff Flu Clinic: Get your flu shot on campus

Bring your care card and wear short sleeves or something with sleeves that can be rolled up.

🌟 Wishing Everyone a Joyous Diwali – Festival of Lights! 🌟

As we move through this beautiful season of gratitude and light, we take a moment to recognize Diwali, celebrated this week by many members of our Menno community and around the world.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a time that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair, and good over evil. It is marked by the lighting of lamps, sharing of sweets, family gatherings, and spreading kindness and joy.

At Menno Place, we are grateful for the diversity that enriches our teams and the warmth each of you brings to our community. Celebrations like Diwali remind us of the beauty in our differences and the shared values—light, love, and renewal—that unite us all.

To all who celebrate, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali filled with peace, prosperity, and happiness.
And to everyone across our organization, may this season bring light to your hearts and warmth to our shared workplace.

With warm regards,
Executive Team & Leadership at Menno Place

Health Care Aide Appreciation Day

Pizza will be served to all staff 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | 5:30 – 7:30 PM | 11:00 PM – Midnight.