The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission celebrated some milestones at its annual general meeting (AGM) last week.
Not only was it the 30th anniversary of the mission, long-time president Tim McAllister was recognized for his 70th birthday. The meeting was held last Wednesday evening with McAllister’s birthday being last Thursday.
McAllister pointed out the mission was founded in 1994 by Andy and Pat Gervais. He said the Gervais’ opened their home to feed those in need before moving to the Scout Hall at the corner of Simcoe St. and Victoria St. S.
The mission would remain at the Scout Hall for seven years before moving to its permanent home next door at 298 Victoria St. S., where it still operates today.
“During these past 30 years, it has been my privilege to serve as a volunteer and board member,” he said.
McAllister said he has been on the board 26 years, including two years as a director, three years as vice president and the last 21 years as president.
“The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission has been my passion and greatest reward and I am blessed to be healthy enough to continue my service at the age of 70,” he said. “Most importantly, I have had my wife Violet by my side, supporting me every step of the way. I couldn’t have chosen a more loyal partner. She embraced my desire to put my time and effort into the mission and even took a critical role in the operation. Violet can be found here every day providing desserts, answering phones, organizing donations as they arrive and waiting patiently – and sometimes not so patiently – for me to finish up and lock up for the day.”
The founding members and original board were acknowledged, with that including not only Andy and Pat Gervais, but also Karen Rosati, Marilyn Goggin, Violet McAllister, Tim McAllister, Kim Cabanaw, Anne Fox and Rose Kasjak.
“There were many more, but too many to mention,” said McAllister.
Current board members were also thanked, with those including vice president Zainia Brockett, John Drop, Shannon Dobson, Tammy Pasceri, Lana Talbot, Jim Ferrar, Andrew Bradie, Frank DiPasquale, Kim Curtis, Jill Kanwischer and Anne Fox as well as McAllister.
Cabanaw is general manager, Violet is merchandising co-ordinator, Shirley Hitchcock is an honourary member while Bart DiPasquale is an Emeritus Member.
“To the community and supporters, we continue to utilize your generous contributions and donations to serve our community through daily hot meals available Monday through Friday, our food bank, a baby food program and our computer accessibility program,” he said.
A backpack program was also launched prior to the start of the school year, he added.
“Our volunteers continue to fundraise, as part of our day-to-day activities, and we were blessed with a very successful year with a hot dog sale at Sobeys, can drive at No Frills, chili nights, our Tambola and our annual golf tournament that brought in over $15,000,” said McAllister. “Due to the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of community and partners, we had record profits at most of these events.”
Board members and other volunteers made it possible to serve 18,772 hot meals and over 800 food baskets so far in 2024, he added. Since the mission started, an estimated 535,000 hot meals have been served.
“It was because of all of you that our goals for this year were exceeded,” McAllister said at last Wednesday’s meeting.
Fox and Randy Steptoe were acknowledged during the meeting with volunteer service awards for their work at the mission.
Paul McAllister, one of Tim’s sons, emceed the meeting and said it was great to see so many people gather to acknowledge the work the mission does. Tim said Bart DiPasquale’s contributions continue to be remembered.
Tim added everyone at the mission is a volunteer.
“We don’t get paid. We’re 100 per cent volunteer,” he said. “We try to do the Lord’s work.”
For more information on the mission or to donate, call 519-736-9140 or visit www.aburgmission.ca.
By Ron Giofu
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