Father Donato, founder of the Hope of St. Joseph Shelters, passed away in 2025 at age 61. Our charity Hope of St. Joseph Shelter Inc. wants to thank the many sponsors, donors, volunteers and interested citizens who supported us in 2025. Our non-denominational charity since 2016, provides safe shelter, food, and education to children and young people. They are homeless not due to their own choice, but due to the economic war over rich minerals in the eastern region of the DR C

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Branch 157 aided Amherstburg organizations with $1,000 each, with the donations coming from the Legion’s bingo account. Legion board member Rita Jariett (far left) presents cheques to Amherstburg Community Services executive director Kathy DiBartolomeo, Bobby Jo Wonham from the Fighting Island Boxing Club, Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club president Kathi Poupard, Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission president Tim McAllister and AAM Good

The year 2025 has ended and here’s a sample of just some of the things we covered over the past 12 months. For further details on these stories and for even more information on the year gone by, visit www.rivertowntimes.com . JANUARY  •Family and friends of Kathleen “Kay” Bertrand gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. Bertrand has four children, ten grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Mayor Michael Prue, Councillor Diane Pouget, Essex