Nearly 250 reasons to celebrate at 2026 Values Awards

There were proud smiles, heartfelt speeches, laughter and more than a few happy tears as peopleCare’s senior leaders, home leaders, partners came together to celebrate our 2026 Values Award winners.

This year we received a record 247 nominations, with many nominees receiving multiple nominations, often recognized in more than one Values category, which is a reflection of the real impact each of these exceptional team members have on residents, families and their coworkers.

Behind every nomination was a story. A nurse helping a new colleague grow in confidence. A team member bringing calm and compassion to residents living with dementia. Someone embracing a new role while encouraging others through change. A familiar face families know they can turn to during difficult moments. A coworker who leads by example and helps everyone around them succeed.

While only a handful of team members receive an award every year, every nomination told an important story about a person who had made a real difference in our homes.

“One of the things I appreciate most about our Values Awards is that the nominations come from the people who know our team members best,” said Brent Gingerich, third-generation family owner of peopleCare. “When coworkers, residents and families take the time to recognize someone, it speaks volumes about the different that person makes every day. Their stories remind us what makes peopleCare such a special place and why our Values continue to matter after nearly 60 years.”

This year’s luncheon brought together winners from across peopleCare to celebrate their achievements, hear the stories behind the nominations and enjoy time together with fellow recipients, family owners and senior leaders.

The recognition extends well beyond that single afternoon, with winners and nominees are also honoured in their own homes throughout the year, in appreciation of their many contributions to the care, morale and culture.

“Our Values have always been at the heart of peopleCare, and it’s our people who bring them to life,” said Heather Gingerich. “What stands out to me every year is that the nominations aren’t about one big achievement. They’re about people who consistently go above and beyond, making our homes better places to live and work. That’s something worth celebrating.”

Reading and evaluating 247 nominations was no small task. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteer evaluation committee, made up of leaders from our valued partner organizations, who generously give their time each year to carefully review every nomination.

Thank you to our evaluators, including John Arvanitis of Arvan Rehab, Josie Ballucci of Sysco, Rudy Cantu of Medline, Peter Dennis of Specialty Furniture, Kyle Donovan of Seasons, Group, Mandy Gauthier of StaffStat, Kelly Munoz of ProResp, Adrianne Sullivan-Campeau of CareRx and Brynn Varey-Schnarr of Agewise, all of whom help ensure the integrity and continued success of this important recognition program.

“Our Values Awards recognize a handful of winners each year, but they’re really a celebration of the incredible people we have across peopleCare,” said peopleCare President Megan Allen-Lamb. “We couldn’t be more proud of this year’s nominees and winners.”

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Values Award winners and nominees. Thank you for bringing our Values to life and helping make peopleCare’s homes such caring and welcoming places for everyone who lives, works, volunteers and visits there.