ABOYNE – The Centre Wellington Food Bank held its annual general meeting on May 22 at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.
The event included laughter, appreciation and even tears, as community members were recognized and longtime executive director Jackie Andrews announced her retirement.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 18 years since I walked through the doors at the Centre Wellington Food Bank,” Andrews said as she addressed the crowd. “How time flies, and oh so many memories.”
The night began with guest speaker Kevin Warren, who shared stories of days past.
“It’s great to be here tonight with so many friends of the food bank. I thought tonight’s talk would be best served if I’d just tell you a couple of short stories. I’ve only been awarded five minutes, which is in your best interest,” he said as the crowd laughed.
Next to speak was manager Curt McQueen, who noted the food bank served a total of 1,049 individuals each month in 2024, including 315 new clients.
McQueen said the food bank received and distributed 250,000 pounds of food, with a total value of around $1.1 million last year.
A number of appreciation awards were given out, including one new one: the Jackie Andrews Lifetime Community Impact Award.
“Imagine the difference that people like you have made because you cared,” said Andrews as she accepted the award named in her honour. “We are here today, we are the Centre Wellington Food Bank and the amazing place that it is because of you.”
The Centre Wellington Food Bank’s annual general meeting was held at the county museum on May 22. Statistics, stories, appreciation and awards were shared at this year’s event. Community award winners are pictured above. Submitted photo
Other award people/groups honoured included:
- Salem, Elora, Victoria Terrace, John Black, James McQueen and J.D. Hogarth public schools;
- Wellington Veterinary Services;
- Wellington Advertiser;
- The Steelworkers Humanity Fund;
- the Dirksen, Trudeau and Taylor families;
- St. Mary’s and St. Joseph Catholic schools;
- Second Chance Employment Counselling;
- Reliable Motors;
- Red Brick Realty;
- Portage Ontario;
- Caroline and Earl McDonald;
- Little Tree Nursery;
- Kitras Glass;
- Jester’s Fun Factory;
- Jefferson Elora Corp.;
- Guelph and District Association of Realtors;
- Grace Christian Fellowship;
- Fergus Horticultural Society;
- Fergus Family Chiropractic Wellness Centre;
- Farm Credit Canada;
- Exphairtise & Vienna Day Spa;
- Domino’s Pizza;
- local cadet groups;
- Curl for a Cause;
- Centre Wellington District High School;
- Centre Wellington Community Foundation;
- CW Hydro;
- Dar’s Country Market;
- Elements Casiono Grand River;
- Fergus Lions Club;
- Food Cycle Ride;
- Fraberts Fresh Food;
- Freshco Fergus;
- Giant Tiger;
- Global Pet Foods;
- Grand River Agricultural Society;
- Kinsmen Club of Centre Wellington;
- Little Caesars Pizza;
- M&M Food Market;
- Mark’s Work Warehouse;
- Nick’s Quick Delivery;
- OPP auxilliary;
- Pet Valu;
- Polycorp Ltd.;
- R&R Printing;
- Robert Kleinveld and family;
- Rotary Club of Centre Wellington;
- Rotary Club of Fergus Elora;
- Geoffrey Newton;
- Kyle Dietrich;
- Elora United Church;
- Belwood Car Show;
- Alex Hobson;
- Zehrs;
- SSVP Saint Joseph Fergus;
- Canadian Tire Fergus;
- the Grand 101.1;
- Sullivan Plumbing and Heating;
- St. James Anglican Church;
- SM Polymers Inc.;
- Shoetopia Footwear;
- Sensational Elora; and
- Scotia Bank.
