Founder of Maple Ridge program Bouquets for Baba recognized by Canucks organization

The founder of a charity that gives bouquets of flowers to seniors in the community has won recognition for her work in a contest in partnership with the Vancouver Canucks.

Treena Innes, executive director of the Ridge Meadows Division of Family Practice and founder of Bouquets for Baba, won two tickets to a Vancouver Canucks game in Toronto, including two economy class round-trip tickets, two nights accommodation, and team swag.

Innes was nominated for the Air Canada Fan Flight contest by volunteer Glen Mund for her inspiration and leadership.

The criteria for nomination was someone who is making a difference in a community in the province. A judging panel from the Vancouver Canucks organization made the selection for the winning entry based on the ability to demonstrate and showcase how the entrant’s nominee has made a difference in their local community.

“I feel in awe that a large organization like the Vancouver Canucks recognized our impactful local community efforts to show seniors that we care,” said Innes.

“I am overwhelmed by all the heart our volunteers, partners and bouquet givers continue to give to Bouquets for Baba – and most recently with Glen Mund who took the time to nominate us with this valuable recognition. Once again, showing our seniors that we care,”added Innes.

Innes started Bouquets for Baba in February 2021 to spread joy to seniors and those facing the end of their lives in the community, who may have already lost their loved ones and any social connections they once had.

The program was launched in memory of her mother, whom she used to lovingly refer to as Baba, a Ukrainian word for grandma.

Cheerful flower bouquets are delivered to seniors living in long term care homes, in hospice, in palliative care, or in community to lift their spirits, brighten their day with colour, aroma and nature— to let them know someone cares, explained Innes.

READ MORE: Bouquets for Baba bringing joy to Maple Ridge residents in end-of-life care

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“Baba, Granny, GG, Grandma, Nona, Nana, Oma, Papa… we can picture these hard-working women (and men) in their gardens, in their kitchens, running a company, master storytellers, strong mentors, hosting celebrations, helping their neighbour without question and fiercely taking care of their families,” noted Innes. “As life happens and age decides, our Baba’s last years may be in care homes and hospice. Some Baba’s may have lost their children early, or their friends long gone, or family may live afar. Leaving them alone, and without much connection. With a simple, kind, gesture of a flower bouquet and note from a stranger, we want to let the Baba’s know they are not forgotten, still highly respected, greatly admired, on our minds, part of our life thread and always in our hearts.”

Since March almost 1,000 bouquets have been handed out, worth about $30,000, to Baillie House, Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services/Seniors Network, Maple Ridge Seniors Society, Palliative Care in community, McKenney Creek Hospice, Willow Manor, and Holyrood Manor.

The holiday giving campaign raised 100 new bouquets that will be given out in 2022.

The Bouquets for Baba leadership volunteer team has also been nominated for a Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award in the Community Spirit category.