An 87 per cent hike in revenue over the past four years and proportionate spike in participants in the group’s many programs has TCAG (Thorold Community Activity Group) board and staff members smiling.
At their 37th annual general meeting held last Wednesday, TCAG president Denise Palomba summarized the changes made in the past five years responsible for their success, which include a new governance model, new staff, new board members, new technology and a new business model.
“I commend the organization for having a great year,” said Nicole Henderson, who prepared the group’s audited financial statements. “Your changes obviously worked.”
Despite their many changes, their mission has remained the same, said Palomba.
“We’re proud to serve as the centre of community in the Thorold area while providing much-needed programs and services that make life in Thorold healthier,” she said, acknowledging the support of its many partners, including the Niagara Region, Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey’s office, the city of Thorold, the Canal Bank Shuffle, Henderson’s Pharmacy, Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, Hartzel Auto Marine, Tim and Ilona Munday, “and countless others.”
Badawey said that in his prior position as mayor of Port Colborne for 14 years, “I have recognized how important it is to have organizations like the TCAG in our community,” commending the group for creating “a place where everybody belongs,” and predicting, “This place will go on for many years into the future.”
“Never underestimate the impact that you, as individuals have every day in your community,” he added. “That one word or one action can change someone’s life every day. And I’m happy to say that that happens every day within these four walls. Many families and children benefit from it, so keep it going.”
In addition to providing quality licensed child care, day camp, and a variety of recreation and leisure programs, the TCAG also provides support and space to community groups like the Village Church, Toolbox Niagara, Justice Niagara, Beaverdams Church and Niagara College, along with many others who use the Richmond Street facility for meetings and programs.
“The numbers are good, and that’s good,” said executive director Dan Pelletier. “It’s not about the numbers, as we know. They indicate more people are coming in and we are making a difference. The reason that happens is leadership, commitment, professional care and expertise our staff gave them. We are fortunate and blessed to have the staff we have, and the board we’ve worked hard to recruit. Thank you all for your support. We look forward to having another great year.”
Following heartfelt speeches by receptionists Charlene McMillan and Stephanie Palomba, board member Krystal Snider said, “Your energy radiates through the building.”
Newly-appointed vice president Kelly Liddycoat welcomed Jamie Drummond as the TCAG’s newest board member and highlighted the remaining length of terms for Mike Lavallee, Ken Sentance, Diana D’Intino, Ken MacQuarrie, Shams Abubkr and Krystal Snider.
Palomba will serve her final year as president until March 2020, at which time she’ll be replaced by Liddycoat.
Keynote speaker Mayor Terry Ugulini described Thorold’s current “unprecedented growth” as it transitions from a city that “relied heavily on industry.”
(See separate upcoming story detailing Mayor Ugulini’s speech).
