Honouring the 2026 Live More Awards Pillar Award Recipients
The Northwood Foundation Live More Awards, presented by rcs Construction, takes place October 22, 2026, at the Halifax Convention Centre, celebrating extraordinary people whose leadership, generosity and community contributions help more Nova Scotians Live More. This year’s gala will also raise funds for new physiotherapy equipment to support strength, mobility and independence for Northwood residents and clients.
This year, we are honouring six people who have made an impact on Northwood and its community. Each pillar award recipient will receive a Live More Distinction Award to demonstrate their time and dedication to Northwood.
Advocacy Pillar: John van Gurp
John van Gurp's connection to Northwood spans two generations. His mother was a Northwood resident, and his wife, Heather, enjoyed time in Northwood's adult day program before calling Northwood home in March 2025.
While caring for Heather at home, John began sharing the realities of caregiving through his YouTube channel John and Heather's Dementia Journey, which has grown into a worldwide community of more than 42,000 subscribers. Whether online or at workshops and meetings, he challenges the stigma surrounding dementia and speaks up for families on this journey.
Wherever he goes, John is a vocal champion of Northwood and the caregivers who have become such an important part of his family's life. He reminds us that long-term care is about people, relationships, dignity and compassion.
It is our pleasure to recognize John van Gurp with the Northwood Live More Pillar Distinction Award for Advocacy.
Innovation Pillar: Debra Orton
The Rev. Dr. Debra Orton is the Spiritual Care Coordinator at Valley Regional Hospital and an ordained minister with the United Church of Canada. She brings more than 30 years of counselling experience, specializing in grief and crisis support.
Recognizing the daily stress healthcare workers face, especially in critical care and trauma situations, Debra worked with an interdisciplinary team to develop Team Lavender. Modelled on Code Lavender in the United States, Team Lavender offers healthcare workers immediate support for their health, wellness and safety. Her work has been published in The Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Inspired by her leadership, Northwood has adopted Team Lavender's best practices and now has its own Team Lavender supporting our staff, a meaningful way of caring for the people who care for our residents every day.
Outside the hospital, Debra loves to cycle and swim and treasures the warm welcome her pets give her when she gets home.
It is our pleasure to recognize The Rev. Dr. Debra Orton with the Northwood Live More Pillar Distinction Award for Innovation.
Research Pillar: Dr. Raza Abidi
Dr. Syed Sibte Raza Abidi is a Professor of Computer Science, cross-appointed to the Department of Medicine at Dalhousie University, where he leads the NICHE (kNowledge Intensive Computing for Healthcare Ecosystems) research group. With more than 25 years of experience in artificial intelligence and digital health, he founded Dalhousie's Master of Health Informatics program and has mentored more than 100 graduate students.
Internationally recognized for his work, Dr. Abidi and his team have developed more than 40 AI-driven digital health solutions and published more than 320 peer-reviewed papers. His many honours include the Canadian Health Informatics Leadership Award and the International Award for Innovation in Medical Informatics.
Dr. Abidi's relationship with Northwood began with a keynote address at our annual symposium on the role of AI in caring for older adults. It has since grown into a meaningful research collaboration, exploring how AI and digital health can enhance care across Northwood and leading to new research grant proposals. His passion for this work helps position Northwood at the forefront of innovation in continuing care.
It is our pleasure to recognize Dr. Raza Abidi with the Northwood Live More Pillar Distinction Award for Research.
Community Pillar: Chris Harding
Chris Harding's connection to seniors began in childhood. For 33 years, his mother worked at Glades Lodge, just around the corner from the family home, and Chris spent many hours visiting her there and getting to know the residents. He still remembers the smiles that greeted them at the door and how much a simple visit could brighten someone's day. That stayed with him, and when the opportunity came to join the Northwood Foundation Board in 2022, it was a natural fit.
As Chair of the Live More Invitational, Chris has helped turn the event into a true success story in just four years. True to form, he credits the small but dedicated team, sponsors and volunteers who make it happen every year.
A REALTOR® with Engel & Völkers Halifax for 17 years and co-owner of Pivot Bookkeeping Inc., Chris also has a long history of youth coaching and community involvement. Above all, he is a proud husband to Kelly and dad to Camden, Scarlett and Ivy, and he is quick to say none of his community work would be possible without Kelly's constant support.
It is our pleasure to recognize Chris Harding with the Northwood Live More Pillar Distinction Award for Community.
Diversity Pillar: Houston Barnaby
Houston Barnaby, JD, ICD.D, has worked alongside Northwood's leadership and board on Reconciliation education, helping deepen our understanding and strengthen our commitment to a more inclusive future. He counts the Northwood team among the people he most enjoys working with, and the feeling is truly mutual.
Mi'kmaw from Listuguj, Quebec, Houston is the Founding Partner of Balsam, an Indigenous-owned and led Reconciliation education and advisory practice. An Indigenous rights lawyer, he negotiated Impact Benefit Agreements for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. He also serves as Co-Chair of the Millbrook First Nation Economic Development Corporation, a director of AtlantiCan Growth Partners, a board member of the NSCC Foundation, and President and Co-Founder of First Spear Group.
It is our pleasure to recognize Houston Barnaby with the Northwood Live More Pillar Distinction Award for Diversity.
Loving Care Pillar: Lisa Anthony
Lisa Anthony brings the experience, dedication and practical spirit of a 25-year career in telecommunications to her volunteer work at Northwood. From preparing treat bags for our Adult Day programs to delivering cards and quietly lending a hand with many other initiatives, Lisa has made a meaningful difference across Northwood.
She believes small acts of help add up, and that people often have more to offer not-for-profit organizations as volunteers than they realize. Lisa prefers to stay behind the scenes, focusing on the difference the work makes rather than the recognition it brings, which makes it all the more special to shine a light on her today.
It is our pleasure to recognize Lisa Anthony with the Northwood Live More Pillar Distinction Award for Loving Care.
Thank you to our pillar award recipients for their time and dedication to the Northwood Community.
Join us at the Live More Awards Gala presented by rcs Construction on October 22, 2026, to honour our recipients.
Upcoming!
Stay tuned to learn more about our four main honourees Louis Lawen, Tracey McGillivray, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, and Jim Todd & Brian Lugar as their stories are underway!
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