For the first time, Goodwill Industries Essex Kent Lambton held an appreciation luncheon in Chatham, celebrating the year’s sponsors, employers and employees.
The organization is also celebrating 85 years of service to the community. Since its founding in 1933 in Sarnia, Goodwill has provided men and women in the communities it serves with “dignity and determination,” according to a book commemorating the 85th anniversary.
From its first retail store in 1939 with a handful of employees, Goodwill has grown to an organization that employs more than 250 people in two career centres, five retail stores, and 11 attended donation centres in three counties.
At the luncheon, Goodwill Board president Dave Watson welcomed sponsors and award winners, noting that at 85 years old, the area Goodwill is the oldest in Canada and he and the board were very proud of the accomplishments of staff and the people they serve.
Honourary Patron awards were given to Cliff Scott of Hub International, Brad Gold of A. Gold and Sons, Sherry Saunders of the CK Community Health Centre, John Schinkel of Schinkels’ Gourmet Meats and Wanda Juricic and Justine Organ of Union Gas.
Melissa Vandermeer, senior employment specialist at Goodwill presented the Family Strengthening Award to Heather Traylor with the Chatham Community Garden, and Lisa Gagner-Carr and Wendy Smith presented the Gifford Goodwill Awards to employers Tammy Lucas (WISH Centre) and Matt Jenkins (Blazin’ BBQ) and employees Steven Zarebski (WISH Centre) and Daniel Hawkins (Blazin’ BBQ).
The book celebrating 85 years called Self-Respect, Ambition and Hope: The Story of Goodwill Industries – Essex Kent Lambton was a project spearheaded by Laura Greaves with Darren Hakker, Steve Lane, Tanya Smith and Dave Watson, and details the beginning and the change in focus to job creation during the Depression from the hamper program.
Success stories from Goodwill employment consultants for successful employees like Danielle Bagly, dietary aide at Eden Villa, and her employer Anthony Ceccacci were shared as well.
“I’m so happy. I do what I love every day and I’ve been treated like family ever since day one,” Bagly told the luncheon participants.
Goodwill CEO Kevin Smith made the closing remarks, and said it is the mission of Goodwill to “change people’s lives through the power of work, and thanks to you, our board and our staff, that’s what we are doing.”
