Last week I had the privilege of interviewing Order of Canada recipient Jim Estill.
He is the owner and CEO of Danby Appliances in Guelph-Eramosa Township, but you may recognize his name because Danby sponsored 50 Syrian refugee families at the height of the refugee crisis in 2016.
Truth be told, Estill has already sponsored 89 refugee families and is planning to bring over another 59 refugees this year.
What is interesting about Estill is that he didn’t sponsor the refugees for recognition. He said that’s a small part of who he is and 800 volunteers do all the work. Can you imagine being able to rally 800 people to help with such a worthwhile cause?
Estill’s investment into the Order of Canada was also due to his contributions to the technology industry in Guelph and the surrounding area. Apart from investing in over 150 tech companies, one of which was Blackberry, he’s also working on his own tech inventions, like Parcel Guard, which aims to keep packages safe after they’re delivered to doorsteps.
Estill has already retired once. I, for one, am grateful he is still in the tech world and making contributions to our community.
Congratulations on the Order of Canada, Jim. Very well deserved.
* * *
It looks like Elora will have a new distillery next year. The Elora Distilling Company announced on Facebook on March 30 plans for a new micro-distillery to open in 2020. The plan is to have the distillery produce small batch, artisan-crafted spirits infused with local flavours. It will include a tasting room as well as a small store front.
* * *
Fergus-Elora Taxi is now taking bookings for its new mobility vehicle. The service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but bookings must be made Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm.
The new service is offered on a first come, first served basis.
For bookings call 519-831-3636.
* * *
Don’t forget to email your questions/news tips to businessleader@wellingtonadvertiser.com.
