MINTO – Foodland employees in Palmerston and Harriston were recently recognized by local community services organizations for their role as essential employees working through the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
The Carry-On Women’s Institute recently presented Palmerston Foodland with Small Town Pizza gift certificates for each of the 30 employees.
Workers recognized – Members of Carry On Women’s Institute, Lidia Oleksandri, right, and Anne Reid, centre, present gift cards purchased at Small Town Pizza to Palmerston Foodland manager Ron McTaggart. The gift is intended to honour essential workers at the local grocery store and aid local businesses.
Submitted photo
“This is their way of saying thank you for their support to the community over the past year and a half by staying open and keeping the customers safe,” institute officials state.
The Harriston Historical Society recognized essential workers and presented gift certificates for Tim Horton’s and Harry Stones Social House to each of the Harriston Foodland store’s 29 employees.
Although restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have limited activities, the institute has kept their members connected and informed while following public health protocols through backyard parties, Carry-On’s 82nd birthday party (held outdoors), driveway coffee gatherings, emails, and most recently, Zoom meetings.
The group has also supported the local community through donations to:
– a local family in crisis;
– Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington,
– the local rural women’s shelter; and
– Palmerston Agricultural Society.
Carry On members have also been involved with “Art In A Box” a community painting project initiated by Barn Quilt Creations.
In September, the group travelled to the Howick Community Centre for a joint meeting with the Howick Women’s Institute with all COVID-19 protocols in place at the time observed.
Members were busy in November gathering greens to make fresh Christmas arrangements to sell during the weekend of the town Kris Kringle market.
Although its display room at the local library branch is currently closed, the Harriston Historical Society has remained active in advocating for the preservation of Beehive Park in Minto and promotion of the recently-published book Beyond Harriston’s Boulevards by society member Mark MacKenzie.
