​Pat Stewart steps down from Kincardine Food Bank after 25 years of service

Pat Stewart (above) of Kincardine has stepped down as one of the co-ordinators of the Kincardine Food Bank, after 25 years of volunteer service to the community.

The food bank, located at the Anglican Church of the Messiah on Russell Street, opened in 1991.

A long-time resident of Kincardine, Stewart began volunteering there in 1999 and took over as co-ordinator, with Nancy Dawson, in 2008, a responsibility she has expertly managed until her retirement this February.

Stewart has seen the need for the food bank grow extensively over the years, in the Kincardine community and surrounding area, and has continued to ensure that no one goes hungry. She developed relationships with local community outreach groups and social services, as well as donors from both private and public sectors, to support the growing needs that the food bank addresses on a weekly basis.

She also managed the volunteers through the years, even making sure that food continued to be available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stewart has shown an extraordinary capacity over her years of service, to find a solution for the food bank clients, no matter how dire the problem. She has gone above and beyond to make sure they have what they need, giving them sustenance not only for their tummies but for their self-esteem, treating everyone with grace and respect, and from time-to-time, with a well-received sense of humour.

A luncheon celebrating her retirement was held at the Bruce Inn in February, with friends and fellow food bank volunteers wishing her well.

Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig (right, with Pat Stewart) was on hand to present Stewart with a certificate of recognition for her years of service and commitment.

She also received a Blue Jays team jersey (her favourite team) commemorating her 25 years of service.