Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission holds AGM and reviews past year

Mission president Tim McAllister (centre) gets a Certificate of Apprication from vice president Zainia Brockett (left) and Jill Kanwischer (right).

The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission went over its past year and also handed out some awards in the process.

The mission held its annual general meeting (AGM) last Thursday night where board members went over the 2024-25 year and recapped it for those in attendance. Mission president Tim McAllister, who started another two-year term on the board, noted the mission started in 1994 under Pat and Andy Gervais.

McAllister has been with the mission for 27 years, something he said feels “truly blessed” about.

Shannon Dobson received a Certificate of Appreciation from president Tim McAllister for her work around the mission.

“This place continues to be my passion, and for as long as I’m able, I’ll remain committed to serving here,” he said.

McAllister thanked all of the volunteers who make the work of operating the mission possible. Special thanks was given to his wife Violet, “who is here by my side almost every day.” The couple recently celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary.

“Without our volunteers, the mission simply could not operate. You are the hands and feet that keep every program moving. From preparing and serving meals, to sorting clothing and housewares, to packing food baskets and helping at fundraising events, you make sure no one in our community is turned away,” he said. “You are the backbone of this mission, and we are deeply grateful for your service and your hearts of compassion. To the many new volunteers who have joined us recently, welcome and thank you for stepping forward.”The board of directors work hard to keep the mission strong, McAllister added, noting that with food costs rising, the mission has focused on being careful with every dollar.

“While we’re still giving out the same number of food baskets we always have, the cost of filling them has gone up significantly,” he added. “The number of hot meals we serve daily has also increased, adding more pressure to our budget. Even with these challenges, the board is always looking for smart, cost-saving solutions so we can keep all of our programs running without cutting any services.”

Fundraising is essential, McAllister said, noting his son Paul planned this year’s golf tournament. He said the tournament is already booked for next year.

The Amherstburg Celebrity Cookbook was launched Sept. 10 and has sold quickly. Board member and volunteer Jill Kanwischer was praised for her work in launching the cookbook with her sister Jane Berthiaume and cousin Annie Hall from OurRecipeTree.com also having worked on it.  “It is a collection of stories and recipes from local people, a true celebration of our town, and a wonderful example of how creativity can raise both funds and community spirit,” said McAllister.

Food drives and donations were part of the past year, including the “Fill the Bus” efforts with Be the Light Ministries and Amherstburg Community Services. The community as a whole stepped up throughout the year, McAllister said, and many organizations and individuals ran food drives for the mission.

“These are too many to mention and most are brand-new initiatives,” said McAllister.

ABC Technologies is one of the companies that help the mission, with McAllister pointing out their sponsorship of the back to school program. 

“This community keeps showing up for us year after year, and for that, we say thank you,” he said.

In addition to McAllister, John Drop, Tammy Pasceri, Shannon Dobson, Lana Talbot, and Andrew Bradie began two-year terms. Those board members with one year remaining on their terms include Anne Fox, Jim Ferrar, vice president Zainia Brockett, Kanwischer and Kim Curtis.

Violet McAllister is the merchandising co-ordinator, Kim Cabanaw is general manager, Shirley Hitchcock is an honourary member and Bart DiPasquale is an Emeritus Member.

McAllister and Dobson were each given Volunteer Service Awards for their tireless work for the mission. Dobson is also the board secretary.

“This is an institution in this town. Everyone loves the mission,” said Mayor Michael Prue, who was a guest last Thursday night. 

Prue said residents love the good work the mission does and the fact everything that is collected is put back into the community for those in need.

“For some people, it’s just the fellowship,” he said. “They want to come here for friendship and to be part of a family.”

The mayor pointed out council’s yearly contribution to the mission in the form of a community grant, reiterating that people like the work the mission is doing.

Drop added he calculated 16,000 volunteer hours were served by all involved at the mission last year. There is a need for food and living supplies in the community, he added, but the volunteers get the job done.

“Thank you for all the good work you do,” Drop told his fellow volunteers.

Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission holds AGM and reviews past year

By Ron Giofu