Hallmark Retirement

Hallmark Retirement Communities are privately-funded, locally-owned seniors residences in Abbotsford, BC.  Hallmark Assisted Living, a 69-suite residence which opened in '99, and Hallmark on the Lake Independent Living, a 61-suite residence that opened in 2003, are trial ground for a vision to offer seniors "...the freedom to be alive in a community where age doesn't matter."

Hallmark Assisted Living offers a distinctive old town-centre design - complete with an old-fashioned General Store, and Ice Cream Parlour - and gracious classic decor.  Its unique configuration of supportive services, including a Wellness program, enables seniors to continue to enjoy their independence.  

Hallmark on the Lake's stunning New Orleans streetscape and building design, including hand-painted murals and wrought-iron work, is truly a work of art that has to be seen to be believed!   Both communities border a beautiful natural park, and are linked by winding paved walking trails.

Hallmark represents an innovative form of eldercare.  It has proven itself a sustainable model, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and their family and friends by providing an environment in which seniors can flourish.   Some in-house learning options are Conversational Spanish, Creative Writing,  Line-dancing, Watercolor and Local History.  Other creative involvements include a Toymakers Club (manufacturing wooden toys for orphanage/daycare in Guatemala),  an annual service trip to Guatemala including staff and residents, and lots of dancing (complete with disco ball in Hallmark Square!)

Hallmark seeks to foster a definition of community that extends from the individual to the international.  With a commitment to life-long learning, the elderly are encouraged to participate in our society.  Numerous attempts are made annually to include residents, family, staff and neighbours in varying events.  For example, we have an annual Father's Day antique car show (approx attendance 250 people), a Christmas carol sing, etc.  We 'bring the picnic to Hallmark, instead of Hallmark to the picnic'.    Hallmark's borders extend beyond BC as it seeks to integrate service into its community - for the past two years, Hallmark residents, staff, family and friends have travelled to Guatemala together to serve in an orphanage, AIDS Hospice, daycare, and seniors homes in Antigua. 

 Hallmark's community involvement provincially is as founding members of BCRCA, a new association with a vision to change the way aging is viewed in BC.  BCRCA (BC Retirement Communities Association), currently representing over 5000 suites in the province with Stan Hindmarsh as President, has been formed to represent the needs and wants of BC's seniors with a supportive housing model characterized by choice, dignity and respect.