John van Gurp still remembers noticing Heather for the first time in high school in 1979. They were 17. They went on to spend more than four decades together — building a family, travelling the world, and sharing a life full of love and laughter. In the spring of 2021, John began to sense something wasn’t right.

Last week, Northwood friends, residents, and supporters gathered for a celebratory luncheon at the Halifax Campus, where the Christina & Hedley G. Ivany Charitable Foundation announced a profound and lasting commitment to Northwood through a legacy gift supporting mental health programs in perpetuity.

Northwood welcomed students from NSCAD University’s Bachelor of Design (BDes) program yesterday morning as part of a hands-on exploration of how thoughtful, human-centred design can better support people living with dementia.

That’s why each year; Mary Anne hosts her very own “Open Room.”  She decorates her space with lights and garland, sets out holiday treats, and invites friends old and new to stop by for cheer, conversation, and laughter. What began as a simple idea has grown into a beautiful tradition. one that brightens not only her room, but the entire community around her. For Mary Anne, the Open Room is more than a party.  It is hope in action.

Something truly remarkable is happening within our Northwood community this holiday season, a movement of kindness that stretches far beyond our walls. Every year, our Holiday Card Campaign invites people to send handwritten cards filled with messages of hope, comfort, and joy to residents who may be spending the season without family nearby. What began as a simple idea has grown into a beautiful tradition that connects generations, communities, and hearts.

A simple idea is making a meaningful difference across our Northwood community. Through gardening, creativity, and shared activities, residents are finding new ways to connect, build confidence, and support their well-being. Our Roots to Resilience Program, recently featured by SaltWire, brings residents, staff, families, and volunteers together in ways that encourage purpose and joy.

At Northwood in Bedford, a special harmony is found in the laughter, movement, and music shared between seniors and young children. Though they might seem like unlikely classmates, their music sessions which started just last month—led by the owner of Joyful Sounds, Louise MacDonald—are proof that joy knows no age.

World renowned experts Eloy Van Hal and Janette Spiering from the Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the Netherlands join us in the Northwood Activity Centre to present their pioneering approach to dementia care.   Northwood partnered with them over the past year to learn more about the group's innovative treatment and ongoing study of persons with dementia. As the contract comes to a close, we were thrilled to discover that Eloy and Janette were coming through Canada and willing