WELLINGTON NORTH – On Monday, June 23, Township of Wellington North Council had the honour of recognizing its 2025 Senior of the Year and Volunteer Service Award recipients.
Brenda Harris was presented with the Senior of the Year Award. Harris is the manager of the Mount Forest Thrift Shop, a position she has held for the past five years. The Thrift Shop is entirely staffed and operated by more than 100 volunteers, including Harris, and sells good used clothing and household items. Funds raised from the sale of these goods are donated to Cancer Patient Services and the Louise Marshall Hospital
Foundation.
“It takes an army of volunteers to make the Thrift Shop run as smoothly as it does, and to make the financial impact on our community that it does,” said Mayor Andy Lennox. “And that is in great part due to the commitment and leadership of Brenda Harris.”
The Township of Wellington North also recognized nine volunteers (three youth and six adults) with Volunteer Service Awards. This year’s recipients are Bev Fettes, Nick Hansen, Jessica McFarlane, Chris McIntosh, Al Rawlins, Sharon Wenger, Mikayla Humphrey, Kelsey Lennox and Flynn Wettlaufer.
The Township of Wellington North also recognized nine volunteers (three youth and six
adults) with Volunteer Service Awards. This year’s recipients are Bev Fettes, Nick
Hansen, Jessica McFarlane, Chris McIntosh, Al Rawlins, Sharon Wenger, Mikayla
Humphrey, Kelsey Lennox and Flynn Wettlaufer.
Submitted photo
Bev Fettes has been a volunteer at the Mount Forest Museum and Archives for more than 20 years, assisting with various tasks that contribute to the preservation of Mount Forest’s history.
Nick Hansen has been a member of the Arthur Optimist Club for more than a decade, serving the club in various roles and playing an integral role in several community betterment projects.
Jessica McFarlane is a member of several committees in Mount Forest, including the Mount Forest Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee.
Chris McIntosh has been a key member of the Arthur Business Improvement Area (BIA), Arthur Agricultural Society and the leadership of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for more than 20 years.
Al Rawlins is a longtime member of the Arthur Lions Club and has held various roles within the club. He has also contributed to countless community betterment projects in Arthur over the past 20-plus years.
Sharon Wenger has contributed countless hours to the organization and delivery of the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival, as well as the Mount Forest and District Chamber of Commerce.
Mikayla Humphrey and Kelsey Lennox are two of the three youth recipients. They have both volunteered with the Arthur Agricultural Society in various roles, lending a helping hand wherever it is needed. Most recently, the two co-lead the youth and social media initiatives.
Flynn Wettlaufer is the third youth recipient and has spent the past few years volunteering with the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival. Wettlaufer is always willing to provide a helping hand wherever it is needed at the festival.
“Volunteers are the backbone of any community, and Wellington North in no different. On behalf of Council and staff at the Township of Wellington North, congratulations and thank you for everything you do to help make our community a great place to live, work
and raise a family,” said Mayor Lennox.
