Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) is recognizing a Wellington North man and his business with the 2016 Cornerstone Award.
Marty Young, owner of Young’s Home Hardware in Mount Forest, was presented with the award in concert with Crime Stoppers Month.
The Cornerstone Award is presented to an individual, business or community group that demonstrates outstanding contributions to the CSGW program.
“From the time Marty learned how Crime Stoppers works, he has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter,” said Sarah Bowers-Peter, program coordinator for CSGW.
Young learned about the program’s ongoing fundraising efforts in order to pay cash rewards to tip providers during a presentation to the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting.
He had, until that time, mistakenly believed the funding came from taxes. CSGW is a non-profit charitable organization.
Young decided he wanted to help and has stepped up in several areas.
Not only has Young’s Home Hardware partnered with CSGW on road signs in two locations in Wellington North, he has also offered his store as a location for two successful fundraisers, the bucket sale and the mulch sale.
The Young’s Home Hardware staff have also been supportive and accommodating when CSGW fundraisers are being held at the store.
Young has also supported CSGW in awareness opportunities, specifically the CSGW segment on Wightman Community TV, sharing why he decided to support the program.
Young’s Home Hardware sponsors Crime of the Week features on 88.7 The River, which run daily in north Wellington.
“Any time I need Marty to speak about why he supports Crime Stoppers, he’s more than happy to do so,” said Bowers-Peter. “He can speak as a business owner, as a member of the community and as someone who has to deal with the repercussions of criminal activity.”
Ray Tout, chair of the CSGW board of directors, said, “Marty is a great example of how awareness evolves into support.
“It was an easy choice for the board, knowing how he has support(ed) the program in the past, and plans to support in the future.”
The Cornerstone Award is presented annually during Crime Stoppers Month.
