Kawartha Lakes Food Source has recognized Joanne Sutherland with the Barbara Truax Volunteer Award for her dedication to the not-for-profit charitable organization.
Since 2018, Sutherland has volunteered with Kawartha Lakes Food Source, which procures and distributes food to 35 local agencies, advocates for food security and poverty-related issues, and collaborates with the community to support those in need.
A media release from Kawartha Lakes Food Source announcing the award describes Sutherland as “a master sorter with her speed and accuracy of checking best before dates and categorizing the food we receive in our distribution centre,” adding she received the award “because of her dedicated work and her help with icing Tim Hortons Smile Cookies, tracking our inventory, and helping with our Easter Dinner initiative.”
“Joanne is exceedingly reliable in her volunteer tasks,” reads the media release. “She always tells amazing stories about the trails she’s recently hiked and is a joy to work with.”
Kawartha Lakes Food Source relies heavily on the support of volunteers, who are involved with food sorting, food pick-ups, distribution centre and inventory organization, Lindsay Community Food Bank operations support, office support, garden work, and more. The not-for-profit organization established the Barbara Truax Volunteer Award — named to honour one of Kawartha Lakes Food Source’s longest-serving volunteers — in 2018, and awards it each year to someone who has been an active volunteer for more than three years, is a positive force within the community, and is committed to the cause.
Truax joined the Kawartha Lakes Food Source board in 2002 at the very beginning of the organization, and remained an active committee member until late 2017. Although she has taken a less active volunteering role in the past few years, Truax still continues to participate in Kawartha Lakes Food Source events and shares her experience and expertise with staff and volunteers.
For more information about Kawartha Lakes Food Source and to volunteer, visit kawarthalakesfoodsource.com.
