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Celebrating 25 Years of Faith, Community, and Care

Since 2001, Elim Village has been dedicated to creating vibrant aging-in-place communities rooted in faith and connection. As we mark 25 years, we’re celebrating the people, stories, and milestones that have shaped who we are today.

Elim Groundbreaking 3 June 10, 2000

Our Journey

25 Years in the Making

From a small vision shared at a Bible study to two thriving campuses in Surrey and Chilliwack, the story of Elim Village is one of faith in action. Explore the moments that have defined our first 25 years — from groundbreaking beginnings to the growth of a full continuum of care community.

Explore our Timeline

Your Stories, Our Legacy

Every milestone in Elim’s history has been shaped by people — residents, staff, family members, and partners — whose stories make our community what it is today.

“Our parents had done so much for our children by starting the Christian schools, so we talked about starting something for our parents because there was nothing. That’s how the idea came – concern for our parents.”

Willy Van Huizen, Elim resident and member of founding Bible study group
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“You see people coming in, you get to know them and they become your friends. It’s really a wonderful place to be.”

Ida Bowman, Elim resident and long-time supporter
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“We had zero cash, but we started. The big challenge was getting support from the churches, because without the support of people in the churches, we were basically unable to proceed.”

John Vanderwal, Elim resident and early committee member
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“We were just thinking of having a senior home, and then it sort of evolved from there. The buildings are there, but the leadership, the people that are working here, the love that they have for the people that live here, I’m so pleased.”

Winnie Vandenberg, Elim resident and member of founding Bible study group
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We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a favourite memory, a photo from years past, or a reflection on what Elim means to you, your story is part of our shared legacy.

Share Your Story

25 Years: Reflections and Celebrations

As we mark 25 years, we’re looking back as well as celebrating the present. Explore stories, memories, and milestones that have shaped Elim Village.

Willy&winnie
January 23, 2026
Fleetwood, 25th Anniversary

When faith became action: The Bible study that sparked Elim Village
SEE MORE 25TH HIGHLIGHTS

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“Our parents had done so much for our children by starting the Christian schools, so we talked about starting something for our parents because there was nothing. That’s how the idea came – concern for our parents. We wanted it to be a Christian place where our parents would feel at home and be encouraged. We didn’t expect it to be as big as it’s become. To look back and just think “Wow, we did that?” It’s amazing. It’s totally amazing. I’m thankful for so much. It’s almost unbelievable that this exists. It’s taken us 25 years, but look what we have achieved. A lot of people are being helped by Elim, and it still is going.”

Willy Van Huizen, Elim resident and member of founding Bible study group

“Elim is there for us now that we’re older. Before that, there was nothing for older people and that was hard. We had to go to different places, which were not Christian, which is very important for our parents. That was really quite a blessing to see that all come up because we started with nothing. It was also a surprise to see how well it went and how many people were there to help out.

I think personally, Elim is so surprising with so many things being done. When we started out, we didn’t have anything. If you look at it now, it benefits so many people. It’s not only for those who are still in good shape, but also for those who aren’t so much. That’s important because as we get older, we see our own frailties and you know there’s help. It’s all available here and we don’t have to go to another place, because this place has become very dear to us. You see people coming in, you get to know them and they become your friends. It’s really a wonderful place to be. I really enjoy living here so much.”

Ida Bowman, Elim resident and long-time supporter

“It was decided that we were going to look into it (the idea for Elim) and find some land so we could build, and see whether the churches were going to support or not. We had zero cash, but we started. The big challenge was getting support from the churches, because without the support of people in the churches, we were basically unable to proceed. That was the biggest challenge. We had a couple of hearings. Some were pretty rough, some were not too bad.

We never expected the way it has ended up to be. I’m not proud, I’m just amazed. For having nothing to start to what it is today is pretty incredible.”

John Vanderwal, Elim resident and early committee member

“I don’t think we ever expected the beautiful buildings, the camaraderie of the people that live here. It’s just become a lot nicer, bigger. All the different stages of coming here and then being able to go to the Emerald and then the Harrison if needed. That was, I think, unexpected at the very beginning. We were just thinking of having a senior home, and then it sort of evolved from there. The buildings are there, but the leadership, the people that are working here, the love that they have for the people that live here, I’m so pleased. I’m never ashamed of saying I love Elim. It’s a beautiful place. It’s looked after well, and we feel loved.”

Winnie Vandenberg, Elim resident and member of founding Bible study group