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2002

To Organized History

Amherstburg Family Health Team Approved!

In the spring of 2001, Human Resources Development Canada provided a Job Career Placement Grant to the Essex, Amherstburg and Belle River Planning Councils with Essex and District Social Planning Council taking the lead role to undertake a telephone needs survey for their service areas to determine current needs that will enable them to plan for their respective communities. This project has also provided a model that can be easily used for future projects to determine needs in planning for services. The report was completed in the summer of 2002. It is a comprehensive report to be shared with all interested stakeholders. Thanks to those who participated in the telephone survey. Your input was most helpful. In December 2002, Essex Community Services hired Michael Howard to put the packages together and conduct a community focus group. The survey can be accessed at the Essex Community Services website.
 

Nominations Being Taken for Courage Award

QUESTION: Do you know someone who deserves a “Courage to Come Back Award?”

ANSWER: We have just received some pamphlets for nominating that special person who may have been living with mental illness and/or addiction and have had the courage to come back.  In March a team of health professionals and community leaders will select seven individuals to be honoured with a Courage to Come Back Award.  The recipients of the 2002 Courage to Come Back Awards will be notified by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation in early March. All nominees will receive a certificate from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation in recognition of their exceptional courage.  The certificates will be sent by mail at the end of March. 

If you know of a friend or family member that you would like to nominate, please tell the nominee’s courageous story accurately and in detail. The more complete the story is, the better.  Feel free to write 500 to 1,000 words and be sure to include the following elements:

• Describe the nature of the nominee’s addiction and/or mental illness and the impact it has had on their life and the lives of their family and friends.
• Describe how the nominee has overcome the challenges of living with an addiction and/or mental illness.
• Describe how the nominee has used his or her experiences to inspire and help others facing similar challenges.
• Describe why you believe this individual is deserving of a Courage to Come Back Award.

Any supporting material, for example newspaper articles or letters written by or about the nominee, can be helpful but is not required.

All nominees must be received no later than Friday, February 15, 2001.  You can pick up the Nomination Forms at our office.  Should you need additional information you can call toll free: 1-800-414-0471 or visit their web site at: www.camh.net 

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, January 29:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

QUESTION:  My colleague at work has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Can you tell me what the cause and symptoms are?

ANSWER:  According to an article in the Fall Issue of Safety Mosaic Magazine, Dr. Steven Stein comments that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder originated from World War 1 cases of soldiers on the war front being treated for what was then called “shell shock.”

PTSD is currently regarded as a psychological condition that includes a number of specific symptoms that occur from exposure to high-magnitude life stressors.  The symptoms include distressing thoughts, feelings and images that reflect the traumatic event; extreme fear or avoidance of situations or places associated with the traumatic event, an emotional ‘numbing’, hypersensitivity and jumpiness.  These disturbances are experienced for longer than one month and cause clinically significant distress or impairment in work related and social activities.  In some cases, the symptoms of PTSD may not occur until weeks after the event.

QUESTION:  Who is likely to suffer from PTSD?

ANSWER: PTSD can strike anyone, male or female, young or old. Studies have shown that between 40-70% of the US population has experienced extreme stress at some point in their lives.  Somewhere between 8% and 12% of the US population has a lifetime prevalence of PTSD.  This number is twice as high for women as men (10.4% vs. 5%) and women are four times more likely to develop PTSD than men when exposed to the same trauma.  It is often difficult to distinguish PTSD from normal grief reactions.  While we all experience trauma at the loss of a loved one, PTSD differs in it’s longevity, persistence, and intrusiveness.  It’s as though we never quite recover from the grief.  One myth about the disorder is that time will cure it.  Studies have shown that symptoms can persist for many, many years if left untreated, and not all treatments are equally effective.  Most of the improvement you will see in a person with PTSD will usually occur within the first twelve months of the onset of symptoms.

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, February 5:

Native Healing Traditions

QUESTION:  I would like to explore some alternative medicine options, specifically Native American healing traditions.  Is there somewhere I could do that locally?

ANSWER:  Yes.  In an age in which diverse cultural traditions are respected and studied, it is possible to learn the lore of Native American society – by going back to school!

St. Clair College offers a two-year diploma course in traditional Aboriginal Healing Methods for both Full and Part-time students.  This spring an Introduction to Native Studies course will be offered.  Among other topics the philosophy, spirituality and ethics underlying the Aboriginal culture will be discussed with the intent of gaining an appreciation and sensitivity to Aboriginal culture.  Then in the summer session a course in Ethnobotany will be offered, providing students an opportunity to study the various herbal medicines used by traditional healers in Native communities.  Where possible, the course will include a Medicine Walk and hands-on experience with traditional medicine.  Other courses in the program include Rainbow of Peace and the Sacred Path.  For further information, contact the St. Clair College Aboriginal Education Counsellor at 972- 2727, extension 4677.

QUESTION:  Is there another resource for learning about traditional Native healing methods?

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Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, February 26:

Information on Alzheimer's Disease

QUESTION:  My dear mother is getting very confused and she is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer Disease.  I am a nurse and would like to learn more about this disease. Are there any seminars available and information on the subject?

ANSWER:  Yes, if you don’t mind a drive to Toronto, there is a symposium planned by an Inter-Professional Healthcare Team from the Alzheimer Society of Toronto together with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute for Monday March 18 or Tuesday March 19, 2002.  The seminar is at the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts, located at 27 Front St. E. downtown Toronto, one block east of Yonge St.  For a map and directions log on to: www.stlc.com.  A Certificate of Attendance will be given to all participants.  This certificate can be used to obtain continuing education credits, according to each profession’s rules and regulations.  Some of the topics discussed are:  Brain and Behaviour; New Advances in Understanding Medical Treatments;  Personal Accounts of the Disease; Consent, Capacity and Understanding the Rules of Ontario, and End of Life Decisions in Alzheimer Disease.

 Give us a call at the office for more information regarding registration fees.

If you can’t make the seminar, the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County have abundant information on the subject.  The Alzheimer Society exists to improve the quality of life of those affected by Alzheimer Disease or other dementia through education, support services for the caregiver, advocacy and research.  The Alzheimer Society is located at 242 Lauzon Road in Windsor.  If you prefer to log on to their web site, you can find them at: www.wincom.net/~alzwind/.  Of course, you can still telephone them at:  974-2220.

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, March 12:

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, March 12:

Ombudsman Investigates Complaints Against Several Agencies

QUESTION: I am in the middle of a dispute with the Ontario Labour Relations Board and I am dissatisfied with the outcome, where do I go from here?

ANSWER: The Ontario Ombudsman is the person to contact regarding any complaints against the Provincial Ministries. If you believe that a provincial government department, agency, board or commission has acted in a way that was unfair, illegal, unreasonable, unjust, mistaken or just plain wrong you can take your complaint to the Ontario Ombudsman. The office investigates complaints against provincial ministries, boards, agencies and commissions.  These include the actions of such provincial government agencies as the Assessment Review Board, Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Health Services Board, Ontario Housing Corporation, Ontario Rights Commission, Ontario Labour Relations Board, Family Responsibility Office Support Plan and many more.  You can touch base with a representative of the Ombudsman Ontario in person at our Amherstburg Community Services office at the White Woods Mall, 400 Sandwich Street in Amherstburg on Monday March 25^th from 10::00-12 noon. At that time you can have a meeting with Pam Young the Ontario Ombudsman Representative.  Services are free and confidential.  For more information, call toll free: 1-800-263-1830. Web Site is: www.ombudsman.on.ca

 QUESTION: Are there any complaints that the Ombudsman Ontario cannot address?

ANSWER:  The Ombudsman Ontario cannot investigate certain types of complaints including those about doctors or lawyers, local school boards, private individuals or companies, decisions of judges, courts or the Cabinet, employment insurance which is under federal jurisdiction, garbage collection or any such bylaw enforcement which comes under municipal government.

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, March 26:

How to Reach Your Elected Officials

QUESTION: I need to write to my MP or MPP. I am not sure where to send my letter and which one is responsible for my problem. Can you help?

ANSWER: If you are concerned about a law or government program and how it affects you or others, and you want action from the government, you can write to your MP or MPP. Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected by the people of Canada. Prime Minister Jean Chrétien is currently the leader. The federal government meets in Ottawa at the House of Commons. If your problem involves Citizenship and Immigration, El Benefits, Old Age Security, Canada Pension, International Relations or National Defence then you would direct your letter to the federal government. To find out the name of the minister responsible for a particular law, you can call Elections Canada at 1-800-463-6868.

Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) are provincially elected representatives. It is their job to respond to the concerns of the people they represent. The Provincial Parliament is the government for the province of Ontario. Premier Mike Harris is currently the leader. Ontario's provincial government makes the laws about Social Assistance, Workers' Compensation, Natural Resources, Schools, Housing and Health to name a few.

To find out the name of the provincial minister responsible for a particular law, you can call 1-416-3326-1234. To find out who your MPP is, call Elections Ontario at 1-800-668-2727. In your letter, say what you are writing about and how it affects you, or why you are concerned.
 

Habitat For Humanity Will Take Older or Used Fixtures From Your Home

QUESTION: We have just purchased an older home and we are doing a lot of renovations.  Is there a place where we can take our used but still good bathroom fixtures, doors, windows and light fixtures?

ANSWER:  Yes, there certainly is.  HABITAT RESTORE is located at 1865 Provincial Road, Windsor.  The store is a continuous fundraising project of Habitat for Humanity.

Good used and new building materials such as doors, kitchen cabinets, counter tops, ceiling tiles, a variety of hardware, electrical and plumbing fixtures, including the kitchen sink are all welcome donations.

If you are doing some renovations yourself and are looking for some low cost goods, the store is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am – 5:00pm.  You may telephone  (519) 969-7295 or access the Canadian Habitat web site at: www.habitat.ca with a link to information on the Windsor location.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is a non-profit organization that builds and renovates homes for needy families.  The families that are chosen must invest “sweat equity” during the construction of the home and then pay off an interest-free mortgage to help fund future projects.  Habitat for Humanity volunteers help run the store and donate their time and skills to the building of homes.

QUESTION: I live in the County and do not have the transportation needed to transport my bathroom kitchen cupboards to the Habitat Restore.  Any suggestions?

ANSWER:  As a matter of fact we do.  Habitat for Humanity also recruits volunteers for to the County.

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Centre Has Job Information

QUESTION:  Do you know where there is a job kiosk in town?

ANSWER:  We certainly do!  There is a Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) job kiosk at our office in the White Woods Mall.  It is available to the public from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  It is user friendly, with a touch to the screen enabling you to embark on your employment search.

You can look for jobs in the Windsor area (extending to locations in Essex, Kent and Lambton).  You can change the search area to other parts of Ontario, and you can also check out the employment scene in other provinces, east or west, in Canada.  About the only task beyond the scope of the job kiosk is actually assembling a resume for you! If you are computer literate, for a small fee you can type and print out a resume at our office.

QUESTION:  Does the job kiosk list farm jobs?  Also do you have any statistical data on salary ranges for certain occupations?

ANSWER:  Yes, the job kiosk has a section on “Agricultural Orders”.  On the subject of statistical information re salaries, from time to time we do receive material on the current employment picture.

Guidelines on Child Abuse

QUESTION: My son has quite a few temper tantrums when he doesn’t get his own way.  I want to be a good parent and discipline him, but not sure if spanking is the way to discipline. He is six years old. Is there any help out there?

ANSWER: Yes there is. The Child Abuse of Windsor and Essex County advocate the use of positive discipline without violence and to oppose the use of spanking. According to their website notes on “Positive Parenting” alternatives to spanking follow strategies that are preventive in nature, designed to keep situations from escalating to the point where parents feel furious and lash out.  No one disciplinary approach is effective with all children or in all situations, and most take practice to use effectively and comfortably.

Prepare your child and tell him what is going to happen.  Clearly state your expectations for his behaviour, and create an environment conductive to meeting your expectations.  Try saying,  “We are going to the bank.  You may not run around, but there are big, special chairs for you to sit and read a story.  Which story would you like to bring?”

Acknowledge your child’s feelings.  When children feel understood, they are more apt to respond positively.  Be empathic and focus on the behaviour, not the child:  “It sounds like you want to play with mommy right this minute.  Sometimes it is really hard to wait.”

Set limits for behaviours that are non-negotiable.  Clearly communicate the limits to the child and follow through consistently.  Try to provide choices instead of giving orders and problem solve together.  When he behaves nicely, make a point of praising and encouraging him. Praise every sign of progress toward the desired behaviour.  This strategy will work with children as young as four.  Try distracting him and move the focus of attention away from the area of conflict onto a new activity.  Also let him experience the consequences of his actions.  We do not always do children a favour by rescuing them from difficult situations. For example, instead of getting angry that you have to take your son’s homework to school for the second time this week because he forgot it, do not bring it to him.  He will learn a valuable lesson in responsibility without any yelling from you.

QUESTION:  Where can I get more information on this subject?

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, May 28:

Help From Meals on Wheels

QUESTION: My wife has just had major surgery and will be coming home from the hospital soon.  I am not much of a cook and also a bit disabled. Can Meals on Wheels help until my wife is up and around again?

ANSWER:  Yes they can. Meals on Wheels not only can help your wife but YOU also can have a nutritionally balanced meal delivered to your door from our Meals on Wheels program.  The Meals on Wheels program began in the early eighties to help preserve the independence of community members who, because of various medical reasons, find it difficult to cook. The meals are produced by our Meals on Wheels kitchen at 65 Murray Street in Amherstburg. The program’s purpose is to provide a nutritionally balanced meal each day, which includes delivery to your door by our dedicated volunteers. Clients have the option of receiving a lunchtime meal three, five or seven times a week.

QUESTION: What kind of meals do you make?

ANSWER:  Meals generally consist of home made soup, biscuit, bread or roll and butter, two vegetables, a starch such as potatoes, rice or pasta, and one protein such as fish, chicken, or meat. To finish off, a delicious dessert, pudding, pie or cake.  Clients pay $4 per meal and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the United Way and private donations subsidize the rest.

QUESTION: How do you register for Meals on Wheels?

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Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, June 11:

Health Centre Surveys Starting

Amherstburg Community Services are undertaking the next step in the hopes of bringing a Community Health Centre to town. And they need the public's assistance. A random section of homes in the Amherstburg area will be receiving a survey that will be inquiring about such things as their health care wants and needs. It will determine what the people of Amherstburg want in a Community Health Centre, or even if they want one at all.

"It gives us an idea of two things," explained Amherstburg Community Services executive director Helen Hayward. "How are they getting the service now (family physician or clinic) and what kind of services would they like if we were to get Ministry of Health dollars for a Community Health Centre."

Hayward said each community is different and the results of this survey will determine what kinds of services could be provided in a potential Community Health Centre. The project is getting assistance from Sophie Iafrate, a University of Windsor social work student completing her placement with the United Way. Iafrate will be compiling and analyzing the data and hopes to have results available by the end of July. The surveys are being mailed of this week with the due date being June 26. A postage paid envelope accompanies each survey.

A total of 2,000 homes in the area will be receiving a survey. Iafrate said they should be able to get a good representation of the population with that amount. "Amherstburg is one of many areas that are under serviced in health and human service delivery," said Iafrate. Once the survey results have been completed, a proposal would then be drafted that would go to the District Health Council. From there, it would go to the Ministry of Health.
 

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, June 18:

Community Services Continues to Expand

It was an exciting year for Amherstburg Community Services.

At its 26th annual general meeting held last Tuesday at Wesley United Church, members were brought up to speed on the progress of the organization, now being run out of the White Woods Mall.

"Yet again our services have expanded," said board Chair Carolyn Davies. "The Meals on Wheels continues to be a remarkable service that other communities would like to replicate. Despite rising costs, the meals continue to be above expectation in quality. Care-A-Van and Community Information remain a mainstay. The Security Reassurance Telephone program has been a comfort to our seniors and individuals with disabilities."

Davies said the success community services has had with the Teen Health Centre has been excellent. The partnership has led to nurse practitioner Shannon Taylor providing health care and social services to youth in the area on a weekly basis.

"I am excited to announce that not only is a needs study ready to go out to a broad section of the citizens of Amherstburg but we have been privileged to receive direct support from United Way in the very competent Colleen Mitchell who has advised us and facilitated the process," said Davies.

Davies also mentioned the assistance being received from Sophie Iafrate in helping with the proposal for a possible Community Health Centre.

"We have also participated intensely with a county wide needs survey to identify services and gaps thereof," said Davies. "We were blessed with a wonderful young woman Karen Austin, a project worker wit HRDC, who worked diligently to research then contact literally hundreds of people over the phone to find out what they believed worked well and what needed addressing in all of Essex County."

The group is also investigating the idea of a theatre group to do a play in Amherstburg.

The project is being headed by Nancy Greenaway.

"This is a long term goal but could lead to greater things," said Davies.
 

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, July 9:

Information on Disability Pension

QUESTION: I am on Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) and finding it hard to make ends meet, can I work while collecting disability?

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, July 23:

Child Support

QUESTION: I am very distraught, as my husband has left me with one child and another on the way.  It has been over two months now and I have not had any support payments.  He has a court order against him for support payments but he is ignoring it. I can’t pay the monthly bills. Is there any help out there?

ANSWER:  Yes. The Ontario Family Responsibility Office  (FRO) works under the authority of the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act. The law says that we must enforce the Court Orders that the Courts send to FRO and the domestic contracts and paternity agreements that the parties file with the office.  The FRO will take all necessary steps to enforce orders and to collect support arrears.  This could include seizing a bank account, suspending the driver’s license of a defaulting payer, seizing and selling the payer's assets, suspending a passport and reporting the payer to the credit bureau.  If need be, they will even go as far as collecting funds from federal sources, e.g., income tax refund, Employment Insurance Benefits and G.S.T. rebates.

We have just received some support filing forms and some new pamphlets from The Ontario Family Responsibility Office, located in Downsview, Ontario.  Feel free to stop by our office for a copy.

QUESTION:  Can I contact The Family Responsibility Office myself?

ANSWER:  You may contact The Family Responsibility Office  (FRO) by calling their Information phone line 1-800-267-7263.  If you already have a Court Order, you can call their Client service phone line 1-800-267-4330 Mon-Fri 8am-7pm.  Please have patience, this line services all of Ontario and you may be on hold for awhile.  It is best to call later in the day when the lines are not quite as busy.
 

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Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, July 30:

Gambling is a Sickness

QUESTION: My husband has been gambling for a few years, but lately he seems to be spending more and more time and money at this expensive pastime.  How can I tell whether he is a compulsive gambler?

ANSWER:  Although gambling can be fun for most people with a few dollars to spend, for some, it can become compulsive.   No one knows more than the family of a gambler how devastating life can be.  Some of the characteristics of a person who is a compulsive gambler are:  Inability and unwillingness to accept reality, hence the escape into the dream world of gambling.  Emotional insecurity, a compulsive gambler finds he or she is emotionally comfortable only when “in action”.  Immaturity, a desire to have all the good things in life without any great effort on their part seems to be the common character pattern of problem gamblers.  Only your husband can make the decision to get help.  Most people turn to Gamblers Anonymous when they become willing to admit that gambling has them licked.  Also in Gamblers Anonymous, a compulsive gambler is described as a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any department of his or her life.  Compulsive gambling is an illness, progressive in nature, which, like alcoholism can never be cured, but can be arrested. 

Amherstburg Echo, Wednesday, August 27:

Help for Seniors Who Drink

QUESTION:  I am a disabled senior and have an addiction to alcohol.  I would like some help with this addiction but cannot get out much, can you help?

ANSWER:  There is a new service operating under the management of Windsor Regional Hospital called The Community Withdrawal Management Services.  The program is funded by the Ontario Substance Abuse Bureau.  There is no fee for this service and the hospital has established a Community Advisory Board to facilitate ongoing community representation and participation in service delivery.  The Community Advisory Board, which includes representatives from human service organizations, businesses, consumers and providers of addiction services, ensures that the community perspective is represented in all stages of the planning, delivery and evaluation of program services.  The service is confidential and staff will meet you at the most convenient time for an initial assessment to take place between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Monday to Friday. Client will receive withdrawal care, motivational counseling, education and referral for themselves and the support person all in the comfort of their own home.

QUESTION:  Who can participate in this Withdrawal Service?

Harrow News, Tuesday, September 24:

Walk for Dog Guides

QUESTION: A friend told me there was a 5km walk for people and their dogs.  Can you tell me where and when it is held and can anyone participate?

ANSWER:  I believe you are referring to the Walk for Dog Guides.  This is a fun filled, friendly walk for everyone, with or without a four footed friend. Coast to coast the Lions Clubs are challenging one another to raise the most funds for the Walk for Dog Guides.

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Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, October 1:

Remembering Frances Stone

A remembrance plaque was unveiled Sunday afternoon at the site of a new Tulip Tree in the Navy Yard Park in honour of Frances Stone. Stone helped start the Social Planning Council of Amherstburg, Anderdon and Malden, which is now called Amherstburg Community Services. From left: son Michael, daughters' Vicki and Stephanie, husband Ray and son Jeff. Fran's daughter Susan, from Calgary, was unable to attend.

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, October 15:

Helping Hand

Amherstburg Community Services received a financial boost thanks to the local Lions Club. The club donated $5,000 to be used by the organization for any program they see fit. Past Lions Club president Mike Greenaway presented the cheque to program coordinator Donna Cauchi.

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, November 12:

United Way Campaign Strong

The United Way is making excellent progress towards their campaign goal, and its thanks to the large number of supporters throughout Amherstburg and Essex County.

The 2002 campaign goal is $9.37 million, which helps the United Way maintain their high degree of support that the organization regularly gives to the area.

"We have a lot of confidence in achieving our goal," says campaign co-chair Mike O'Brien.

"Amherstburg is doing very well, they have raised over 49 per cent of their target goal," adds O'Brien.

The different organizations raise the funds by a number of methods, including canvassing, direct mail, bake sales, or fun days.

"One of the easiest methods we have found is by payroll deduction," says O'Brien.

"The employee can choose how much they would like to donate or to have deducted from their pay cheque, it could be anywhere from one dollar, and it's very easy for the employees themselves," says O'Brien.

Amherstburg businesses are doing their part to help the United Way meet it's $9.37 million. Some campaign highlights from Amherstburg are Nexen Chemicals raising $12,476, Thrasher Sales and Leasing brought in $4,062, the Town of Amherstburg raised $1,765 and Fort Malden Pontiac help to raise $1,846. Many campaigns are either just being completed or are about half way through.

The United Way affects many different agencies locally, which include Amherstburg Community Services, House of Shalom, and Meals on Wheels. Amherstburg also benefits from a number of United Way sponsored programs including the girl guides, St. John Ambulance, and the Salvation Army.

"In the Windsor, Essex County area, one in three people will participate in United Way programs or help over the year," states O'Brien.

The 2002 campaign kicked off in late September, and will conclude on Jan. 25.

"It's going well and looking very positive," says O'Brien.

O'Brien thanks the countless volunteers and supporters from the Essex County area, and encourages more people to find out more information about the United Way.

Amherstburg Echo, Tuesday, November 26:

Channel Resource Turns 20

They started in the community in 1982 and 20 years later, their accomplishments are being celebrated.

Channel Resource Centre held their 20th anniversary celebration Saturday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Richmond St. It was a celebration of not only the work Channel does at their centre every day but for the outreaching they have done with the community.

Stories were told about how the Channel has helped the intellectually disabled in the community. Manager of Supports Donna McKrow said Channel was the first satellite resource centre and praised the leadership that it took to make it a success. They have gone from Pike Road to what was the Fort Malden Mall to St. Arnaud St. before coming to their current Bathurst St. location.

Numerous business and other supporters were honoured by Channel for doing what they can to make a positive impact to Channel and their clientele.

"This has enhanced our connection to the community as well as our small businesses," said Michelle Jones-Rousseau.

Channel manager Sandra Paisley pointed out the main reason they do what they do is for the people they support.

"You guys are the reason we come to work every day," said Paisley.

Channel is affiliated with the Essex County Association for Community Living.

Amherstburg Echo, Friday, December 20:

Helping Hand

The Amherstburg Food Bank and Community Information Services received a financial boost this Christmas thanks to the Kinsmen Club. The club donated $500 to the food bank and $250 to the Meals on Wheels program. Clockwise from left: Alice Huver, food bank volunteer, Kinsmen John Hutter, Kinsmen Tony Sterling, food bank volunteer David Hollingsworth and Helen Hayward of Community Information Services.

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