BUILDING COMMUNITY - one smile and one lemon-ginger tea at a time!

The smiling face in many of our Community Kitchen posts is Betty - one of our dedicated cooks for a total of almost 10 years! Betty recently retired and we’d like to note her significant service to the Centre and to our community.

Betty initially came to the Women’s Centre in a time of need and got to know our services firsthand. Later, wanting to give back, she applied her many skills and experiences as a camp and restaurant cook to our Community Kitchen and other meal programs. Eventually, she helped to onboard our current Community Kitchen Coordinator (Lusia) and then retired at age 72.

Betty’s down-to-earth attitude, sense of humour, and ability to connect with folks one-on-one, made countless women feel welcome and ‘seen’ in the space. It wasn’t uncommon for Betty to linger after her shift and share a cup of her famous lemon-ginger tea with someone. We’re thankful she still comes by to craft or hang out.

Betty builds community - which is exactly what the Centre is all about.

Thank you Betty!!! We know you’ll keep busy and continue to make tea and build community in your new adventure - retirement.