The St. John the Baptist chapter of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (Amherstburg) was able to meet the demands of everyone who was in need during the 2025 year. We received 606 calls for emergency assistance that included food, clothing and other necessities that helped 907 adults and 397 children. This is a substantial increase over previous years and the need for assistance continues to grow monthly. The annual “Christmas Tree” fundraiser at St. John the Baptist Church

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

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