Wheatley social worker creates one-stop-shop for community resources following explosion
Many residents and organizations were forced out of Wheatley’s downtown after the explosion one year ago, but the community banded together, including one social worker who realized a dream of hers.
One of the buildings impacted was the Wheatley Baptist Church on Talbot Street which has been closed since the blast on Aug. 26, 2021. Not only did the congregation lose its place of worship, but the village also lost its only food bank.
“It was all just kind of in our heads and then on August 27th, we thought well, we need to do something and so we found this location, we had extra space so we had more than what we needed for the food bank so we just invited services to just be a part,” said Susan Fulmer.
And so, the Village Resource Centre was born, with the help of a generous anonymous donor.
Fulmer, the centre’s founder, says her small idea has morphed into a one-stop shop for anyone, regardless of whether they were impacted by the explosion or not.
“The information desk that was at the library is closed now, so occasionally we have people come in and say, ‘do you know where I can get some recycling boxes’? When’s garbage pickup?’ Things like that. ‘Where do I pay my taxes? How do I get my dog tag?’” she explained.
The centre also hosts a pantry, library, and a paster is available once a week. Social services with Chatham-Kent also operate out of the space.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.