Cornwall ON – The Agapè Centre has a new Executive director, and the Cornwall Free News has a new columnist!
Alyssa Blais has been very busy since taking over the reins of the Charity with a lot on its plate. From its food bank to services to its clients and being there in our region’s time of need, the Agape Centre has a very full mandate.
They are always looking for volunteers and support from the Community. Starting shortly Ms Blais will be hosting a regular column here sharing issues with the community and how people can help.
She’s also announced that Ms Laurie Greer has been hired as Operational Manager.
Ms Blais, former manager of the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC) was the founder of the successful Artpreneur program and shepherded the Summer Company program that had a record 15 new student business enterprises in 2010.
She brings her passion for community via her love of organic foods, business and the arts. I asked her about the change of career direction and she said the following:
I saw the opportunity to serve the community and help. Social committment is the key to a healthy community.”
The Agape Centre served over 1200 families this holiday season which kept them very busy. Besides their daily lunch that’s served and the food bank they have a thrift store and employ over 20 people full and part time as well as over 750 hours volunteer hours donated per month.
They are always looking for volunteers for reception; the thrift store, sorting, in the kitchen and the food bank so if you want to help there’s always an opportunity. Donations have been increasing especially since the public’s been learning that places like Value Village are not in fact charities, but privately owned corporations. Many are asking why donate to a store when you can to an organization like Agape which not only serves the local community, but also employs many and is a path for some to employment.
In March the Agape Centre will be holding their Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic with anyone earning under $30,000 per year being able to have their taxes filed for them at the Agape Centre.
For more information about the Agape Centre visit their website or drop by at 40 5th Street West in Cornwall Ontario. You can also call them at 613 938 9297.
