G.A.P. Volunteer Spotlights
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Kitty Nancekievill • (May 17th, 2023) When you see this beautiful smile you just know that there is a beautiful person inside. This person is Kitty Nancekievill who joined Gravenhurst Against Poverty last year. Since her arrival, Kitty has been volunteering with the G.A.P. Tuesday Food Program where she has been helping to make our neighbours feel welcome and ensures that they are able to get the food they need.
Kitty also volunteers her time at a Muskoka thrift store and loves to spend time with her family - especially her grandchildren! Thank you so much for all you do, Kitty! |
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Dave & Elaine Robbins • (May 10th, 2023) This week, we are excited to shine a spotlight on Dave and Elaine Robbins.
These volunteers have been with Gravenhurst Against Poverty since the very beginning. Together as a team, they helped to prepare food all the way back when G.A.P. was serving in-house meals and are still giving their time and energy to G.A.P. all these years later by volunteering with the Thursday Food Program. They shared with us how they have a special place in their hearts for those struggling with mental wellness and how they have regularly worked to raise money to help support the neighbours in our community. For several years Dave and Elaine gave visitors to Gravenhurst a wonderful place to visit by welcoming them to their beautiful B&B on Gull Lake. Their warmth and caring hearts have made them great ambassadors for our community. If you see this cheerful couple around town please say hello, or even better, offer a big thank you for all they do to give back and help others! Thank you, Dave & Elaine! |
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Jaden Hollingshead • (May 3rd, 2023) Jaden is a real asset to Gravenhurst. Among other things, he is a co-owner of a local business, a member and Director of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce and Gravenhurst BIA and he is very active in community politics and the growth of our community. Despite all his other commitments, Jaden still finds time to regularly volunteer for Gravenhurst Against Poverty.
You will find Jaden carrying heavy boxes of food up the stairs and loading them into vehicles for delivery to our neighbours. No matter what the weather, Jaden is there with a smile and a kind demeanor to help those around him. G.A.P. certainly appreciates having someone like Jaden for this job! Thank you, Jaden, for all you bring to this community and the support you give to Gravenhurst Against Poverty. |
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Pete Lemoine • (April 26th, 2023) This week we are shining our spotlight on a G.A.P. Volunteer who is no stranger to volunteering! Pete Lemoine volunteers his time and expertise in many areas throughout Muskoka; such as the Gravenhurst Environmental Advisory Committee, as the Muskoka Watershed Council, as a director of the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network and, of course, with Gravenhurst Against Poverty.
While volunteering with G.A.P. Pete will fill in anywhere he is needed. He has not only packaged food, loaded carts and made countless trips up the stairs with boxes of food but he has also loaded vehicles, done deliveries and even mopped the floors at the end of the day. Pete is humble, hard-working and wears his kind heart on his sleeve for all to see. We are so thankful for all he does for G.A.P. and for our wonderful community. You are a real treasure, Pete, thank you! |
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Bob Collins • (April 11th, 2023) This week we are pleased to shine a spotlight on G.A.P. Volunteer Bob Collins.
Bob is very well known in the community and certainly has left his mark not only as a former owner of Gravenhurst Home Building Centre, but also as president of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce and as a Director for the Muskoka Community Foundation. Now, Gravenhurst Against Poverty is privileged to have Bob as a vital member of our team of fabulous volunteers supporting our youth and delivering food packages to our neighbours each week. We are immensely grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for our great community. Thank you, Bob, for all you do! |
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Elaine Matthews • (March, 29th, 2023) Elaine has done an exceptional job as the lead gardener for the G.A.P. Gardens at Gravenhurst Public School and Gravenhurst High School for the past 4 years. Elaine has made a tremendous contribution to our community and in supporting our neighbours in need through the bountiful harvests of fresh produce that was distributed through G.A.P.'s various Food Programs.
While Elaine is stepping back from the lead gardener role, we are delighted to share, to say that she has agreed to stay on as a G.A.P. Garden Consultant. As a Master Gardener and a published author of a book on gardening, Elaine is perfect for this new role and we are so grateful that she will be sticking around to support the Garden Program. Elaine not only loves to spend time in the garden, but she also has a love of cooking and baking. She has often been found in the shiny G.A.P. kitchen making muffins to be shared with our neighbours. Please join us in acknowledging and thanking Elaine for all she has done for G.A.P. and our community. We are so relieved to know that you will still be there to help guide us with all of your knowledge, care and support. Thank you, Elaine! |
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Kathryn McGill • (March, 22nd, 2023) No matter when or where you see Kathryn McGill you will see this infectious smile. Kathryn is a regular food delivery driver with G.A.P. and volunteers with CNOY but she is so much more.
Up until recently, she competed as a world-class rower and won gold at the World Masters Rowing Championship, along with many other top wins both in singles and with her sister Diane. She is a mother of 2, loves cycling, is a dedicated member of our local Rotary club and just loves Gravenhurst. We can't possibly say enough about Kathryn and her contributions to our community. Thank you, Kathryn, for all you do both with Gravenhurst Against Poverty and all your other passions! |
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Elaine Barnes • (March 16th, 2023) Today G.A.P. is shining an appreciative spotlight on Elaine Barnes. Elaine needs very little introduction, as she is a retired teacher who taught many people in Gravenhurst over the years and she continues to pour her love and energy into giving back to the community.
Elaine has volunteered with Gravenhurst Against Poverty for several years and is always willing to help out where needed. Pictured here, she is busy packaging thousands of eggs for our neighbours. She is EGG-sactly the kind of volunteer G.A.P. needs and depends on. Thank you, Elaine, for being such a dedicated member of the G.A.P. family! |
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April Humphries • (March 8th, 2023) This week's G.A.P. Volunteer Spotlight is shining bright on April Humphries.
April first connected with Gravenhurst Against Poverty through volunteering in the Coldest Night Of the Year fundraising walk last winter. This led to April joining our great team of G.A.P. volunteers. Last summer, she was a regular greeter at the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market and now she delivers food to our neighbours each week AND has also joined the Food Rescue Team that picks up food from our local grocery stores. Let's give a BIG G.A.P. THANK YOU to April! |
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Food Rescue/Pickup Team • (February 15th, 2023) This great gang of guys is part of a team that plays a vital role in making sure that each week there is food available to be distributed to those in need in the Gravenhurst area. Without them, there would not be any food to distribute to the at least 700 people a week who benefit from the food program.
Each weekday they visit many area businesses to pick up donated rescue food, or food that would otherwise go to waste. They also pick up hundreds of pounds of fresh produce and other purchased food items and transport all this into the G.A.P. packaging area at Trinity United Church. They are always on hand whenever deliveries are made and can also be counted on when there are extra tasks that require expertise or a strong arm. This fun-loving bunch can also be found around town having coffee together after the work is done so if you happen to see them please stop and say HELLO and share a big thank you for all of their dedication. 📸 Pictured left-to-right: Ardyn Todd (lead), Steve Evans, David Hammill, Mark Kittson, Al Hunter, Jim Richardson, and Don Reynolds. |
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Marilyn Hook • (February 8th, 2023) This week we are shining a light on the lovely Marilyn Hook. Although it has not yet even been a full year since Marilyn joined our team of volunteers, she has contributed so much to Gravenhurst Against Poverty.
Not only is Marliyn a regular Thursday Food Program volunteer but she frequently comes to bake muffins for our neighbours in need, routinely helps to prepare delicious meals for the Circles Program and is always happy to help where ever needed. You, Marilyn, are indeed one of G.A.P.’s many treasures. Thank you for all you do to support G.A.P. and our neighbours! |
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Linda Burton • (February 1st, 2023) G.A.P. first started with a conversation; it took place in the church kitchen between Linda Burton and the previous minister of Trinity United Church, Allan Lynk. Linda asked Allan what could be done for the vulnerable people in the Gravenhurst community who were coming to the church door asking for help. That conversation ignited many, many more conversations like it.
Linda strongly advocated for our neighbours in need and was successful in her appeal to the District of Muskoka for $40,000 in seed money to get G.A.P. started. The rest, they say, is history. Thank you, Linda, for demonstrating the tremendous value of conversations. We are so glad to have you back volunteering with your G.A.P. family! |
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Diane Harrop • (January 25, 2023) Yes, Diane Harrop, we are so glad you are here and sharing your time, energy and big heart with G.A.P.!
Diane has been a long-time volunteer and G.A.P. supporter. Not only does she help with the G.A.P. Food Program, but you can also find this special lady volunteering with the Elderberries Choir, the Muskoka Concert Association, the Bifocals Band, Trinity United Church Choir, and, she is also the Chair of the Probus Speakers Committee. She somehow manages not only to find the time for all these things, but no matter where you find her, you can be sure that she is flashing that beautiful smile of hers and that she'll be ready to share a cheerful word with you. We are so grateful to have Diane on our team! Thank you, Diane, for who you are and for all you do to support G.A.P. and our neighbours. |
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Geoff & Carol Aberdeen • (January 18, 2023) This week we would like to give a great big shoutout to a very special couple.
Geoff & Carol Aberdeen have each given so much of their time and talents to G.A.P. over the years. Here we see them helping to distribute food for our Tuesday Food Program, but they also assist with delivering food to our neighbours on Thursdays. Carol is the Secretary of G.A.P.'s Steering Committee, so she is often busy preparing minutes from many different G.A.P. meetings. Also, and maybe Carol's biggest task, is preparing the weekly spreadsheets for Thursday's Food Program. Ensuring that information flows cohesively between G.A.P.'s many food packers and delivery drivers so that food makes it to our 550+ neighbours each week is a colossal job, but Carol does it with ease. We are so grateful for everything that both Geoff and Carol do to support G.A.P. and our neighbours experiencing hardship. Thank you, Geoff & Carol! |
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Judy Sherman • (January 11, 2023) Here we have another stellar G.A.P. volunteer, Judy Sherman, busy packaging eggs for distribution to our neighbours through the Food Progam. Judy has been a G.A.P. volunteer since the early days. She began volunteering in the kitchen preparing meals, which were served to those in need each week. When the pandemic restrictions prevented G.A.P. from being able to do this, Judy continued to step up and came in regularly to help package food.
We would like to give a special, heartfelt THANK YOU to Judy for all her years of service and dedication to G.A.P. and her neighbours facing hardship. Thank you, Judy!! |
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Jodi Gower & Graham Millar • (January 4, 2023) Jodi is another one of our faithful drivers connected to the G.A.P. Food Program who delivers food each week to our neighbours. Delivering food has been a bit of a family affair for Jodi as both of her parents, Karl & Trudy, along with her sister, Krista, have all volunteered with G.A.P. and the delivery service.
Most recently, we are delighted to see that Jodi has brought her partner, Graham, into the G.A.P. family of volunteers! We welcome Graham and thank you both for all you do to support G.A.P. and our great community. |
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Bernie Chisholm • (December 28, 2022) This volunteer is just as kind and caring as his face suggests. Bernie Chisholm is another valued member of our volunteers who comes in to help with the Tuesday Food Program.
Bernie helps prepare containers of food and other necessities for our neighbours in need who are able to come in and pick them up. He makes people feel welcome with his encouraging ways and helps them manage their containers. Your G.A.P. family thanks you, Bernie, and truly cares about you and yours. Thank you! |
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Maxine Wheeler • (December 21, 2022) Today we are shining a light on Maxine Wheeler, who is a regular member of the Tuesday meal-making team. She is just a bundle of energy who loves to keep busy and will help with anything that needs to get done. Maxine is eager to learn more about G.A.P. and all of the services that G.A.P. provides. She is a great asset to our team of volunteers!
Please join us in thanking Maxine for all she does to support our community and in wishing her a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you, Maxine! |
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Barb Holtz • (December 14, 2022) Today we are shining a bright spotlight on a very hardworking volunteer!
Barb Holtz has been a faithful volunteer for several years with Gravenhurst Against Poverty. Barb comes in each week to assess what rescue food is available, comes up with a plan for a nutritious hot meal, and then she and our Tuesday team of volunteers prepare it together. This food is then given out, along with other items, to those who can come in and pick up their food every Tuesday from Trinity United Church. Barb's dedication, compassion for others and positive demeanor are all contagious and she positively affects everyone she works with. We are so grateful for all that Barb has done and continues to do for both G.A.P. and our neighbours in need. Please join us in thanking Barb for her kind heart and all of her hard work! |
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Bruce Dart • (December 7, 2022) This legend right here has been volunteering with G.A.P. since its inception more than FIVE years ago. Each week Bruce schedules over 20 volunteers who deliver food to our neighbours in need both in town and in rural areas of Gravenhurst.
Then, every Thursday, in the heat of summer or the freezing temps of winter, you can find Bruce outside of Trinity United Church loading food packages into vehicles for delivery. Bruce’s calm manner and composure always leave you feeling that everything is under control and getting done in a timely fashion. He's always eager to help when called upon and has a heart the size of a transport trailer. Thank you so much Bruce for all you do to support G.A.P. and our great community. |
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Sandra Gleeson • (November 16th, 2022) Sandra is one of our regular weekly volunteers at Trinity United Church. She is often found preparing and packing food for our neighbours who are able to come in and pick up their food boxes and bags. Sandra has such a warm, friendly demeanor and is such a pleasure to have as part of our G.A.P. Team.
Thank you Sandra for all that you do to support our great community! |
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Martine Brouillet & Chuck Murray • (November 9th, 2022) Martine and Chuck are pictured here loading up their vehicle with food packages that they deliver to neighbours in need who live in the Kilworthy area. Martine & Chuck have only been volunteering with G.A.P. for a few months, but in that time, have been such a wonderful asset to the G.A.P. team. They regularly come in on Thursdays to help pack food packages and then do deliveries.
Thank you Martine & Chuck so so much for all you do to support our community! |
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Irma Salminen • (November 2nd, 2022) Irma first connected with G.A.P. about volunteering during the early stages of the COVID pandemic. The number of neighbours who were in need and were enrolling in the G.A.P. Food Program was rising and Irma stepped up during that challenging time. She has now been a faithful, hard-working G.A.P. volunteer for over three years.
Now, Irma is the first smiling face our neighbours see when they come to pick up food every Tuesday from the Trinity United Church. We are so grateful for Irma's contributions to G.A.P. and to our community. Her positive energy and kindness to others are contagious. Thank you, Irma! |
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Liz & Bryan Etter • (October 26th, 2022) This dynamic duo has been making food deliveries every Thursday for the past few years. Delivering weekly food packages to those enrolled in the G.A.P. Food Program has been a vital support for our community. Bryan and Liz know the neighbours on their route and are always happy to help out.
Bryan & Liz love Muskoka and the great outdoors and have both been such a perfect fit for our team. We are grateful for their enthusiasm and very much appreciate having such willing and caring volunteers who we and our neighbours can count on week after week. Thank you Bryan and Liz for your hard work, dedication and kind hearts! |
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Mariane Sayers • (October 19th, 2022) This week would like like to thank and celebrate the amazing contribution to G.A.P. and our community by Mariane Sayers.
Mariane was a great helper with the Garden Program this summer and along with her daughter Sophia, also helped as a runner on food days. Mariane is now a regular during the Thursday Food Program that helps to support over 500 individuals in our community each week who are faced with food insecurity. Please join us in thanking Mariane for her wonderful kindness and generosity. Thank you, Mariane! |
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Lynne Briden • (October 12th, 2022) This kind, smiling sweetheart deserves a big THANK YOU for all she does not only for G.A.P. but for the community as a whole. Lynne has volunteered in just about every kitchen in the area. If there are meals to be prepared, Lynne generously gives her time and talent to help.
For G.A.P., Lynne not only helps prepare the Tuesday meals but she also delivers meals to our neighbours in need every Thursday. It is stellar volunteers like Lynne who make G.A.P. programming possible. Thank you, Lynne! |
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Rob Haag • (October 5th, 2022) Rob Haag is a volunteer who brings sunshine and a big smile every time he enters a room. He is from B.C. but spends his summers in Muskoka and is a regular volunteer with the G.A.P. Food Program. He is always willing to do any task that needs to be done for the Thursday food packaging and delivery and also helps out with the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market booth.
Rob has certainly become part of the Gravenhurst community. When he is not helping out with G.A.P., you may find him out in his kayak, down at the beautiful Muskoka Wharf with his friends playing their ukuleles or cycling around the area. Rob, we will certainly miss you when you return to the west coast. Thank you for all you do for G.A.P. and our community and please come back again next year! |
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Tim Luke • (September 28th, 2022) Tim Luke joined the G.A.P. community this past Summer. He is a seasonal resident who has so much energy that he just never stops helping!
Tim jumps right in there to pack food boxes, run them up the stairs to the waiting delivery cars and will even be found delivering food to those in need. In his spare time, Tim calls in to see if help is needed at the G.A.P. booth at the Gravenhurst Farmers' Market. When Tim is not volunteering with G.A.P., he enjoys a game of golf or another passion of his: fishing at the cottage. Thank you for sharing your energy and enthusiasm with us, Tim! We are so grateful for all of your tremendous support and hope to see you again next summer!! |
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Bryant Stora • (September 21st, 2022) Bryant is a teacher who volunteers after school during the school year and volunteers every week during the summer.
He is always eager to jump in to help wherever there is a need. This is proven by the fact that he has been seen packing food bags, loading carts, carrying packages of food to cars and even delivering food to our neighbours! To top it all off, when a volunteer was needed to help paint an office room for G.A.P., Bryant was right there with supplies in hand and a cheerful smile on his face. Thank you so much Bryant, for all you do for G.A.P. and for our neighbours in need. |
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Michael Inman • (September 14th, 2022) Michael has been volunteering with G.A.P. for almost a year. He has been a big help with the Food Program - assisting with packing & running food packages as well as helping to take out garbage and recycling. Michael has also helped with the G.A.P. Booth at the weekly Gravenhurst Farmers' Market and the G.A.P. Booth at RibFest this past August.
Michael is always eager to help and tells us that he volunteers with G.A.P. because it's a great way to give back. He says he loves to meet new people and share their stories. We are tremendously grateful for all of your wonderful hard work and energy, Michael. Thank you for all you do to support G.A.P. and our neighbours in need. If you see Michael out and about, be sure to say hello and thank him for his efforts! |
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Rhonda Porter • (September 7th, 2022) Rhonda has been the Team Captain of 'Trinity Trekkers' in the past three Coldest Night of the Year fundraising events. She has done a wonderful job rallying her teammates and raising valuable resources for our neighbours in need.
That's not all... Rhonda has also been volunteering with G.A.P. for the last two years, assisting with the Food Program and the G.A.P. booth at the Gravenhurst Farmers' Market. Rhonda tells us that her favourite part about volunteering with G.A.P. is meeting so many new people at the Farmers' Market and being able to tell them about all the G.A.P. programs. We asked Rhonda why she volunteers with G.A.P. and she said it was because she saw a need in the community and wanted to find a way to contribute towards addressing it and giving back. Well, we're extremely grateful to Rhonda for all of her tremendous effort over the last few years in supporting G.A.P. Please join us in thanking and celebrating Rhonda! |