Celebrating Lyka Buenaflor!

2023 Lodge Excellence Award Recipient at the Sundre Seniors’ Supportive Living Facility

At Mountain View Seniors’ Housing, we are proud to recognize and award our employees who go above and beyond in their roles, embodying MVSH values of excellence, advocacy, quality, diversity, respect, and safety. We are delighted to celebrate Lyka Buenaflor, an evening cook in the Dietary Department at the Sundre Seniors’ Supportive Living Facility, as our 2023 Lodge Excellence Award recipient!

For Lyka, receiving this award was an unexpected and appreciated honour. “I was surprised! I didn’t know I would be nominated because I was already an awardee the year before. To be chosen again by my co-workers is awesome—I feel very lucky. My heart is full of gratitude, and all I wanted to do that night (at the 2024 Staff Appreciation Event) was personally thank them,” she shared.

Lyka’s love for her work shines through in everything she does, and one of her favorite aspects of working at the Sundre Lodge is the supportive and encouraging team environment. “I enjoy the fact that I have very supportive leadership who let me sing Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of my lungs!” she laughed. “I told them I cook better when my music is on, and they let me have fun while doing my job—that is awesome!”

Her journey to Sundre Lodge was inspired by her deep respect and admiration for seniors. “I was very close to my grandparents growing up, and working here feels like a home away from home,” she said. This passion for working with seniors has helped her build meaningful connections with residents, and she treasures the moments she shares with them.

One particularly heartwarming memory stands out. “We had a resident who always thought she was in a restaurant. One time, as I was cleaning a table, she pulled me aside and handed me a $20 bill. When I asked why, she smiled and said, ‘A tip for you, young lady—thank you for always feeding me.’ I told her, ‘That’s very nice of you, but you should keep this,’ and I held her hand, explaining that it’s our job to take care of her and make sure she eats every day. She had tears in her eyes—and so did I. Then she gave me the warmest hug.”

Lyka’s kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to her work make her an invaluable part of the Sundre Lodge team. Her ability to bring joy to both her colleagues and residents exemplifies the very essence of the Lodge Excellence Award. Congratulations, Lyka, and thank you for all that you do!

Embracing Love, Laughter, and Lifelong Memories

– Mountain View Seniors’ Housing