08/13/2026
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members”
As I sit and reflect on the fundraiser we held for Matias and Emily, the one word that resonates on how I feel is humbled. I never imagined that one Facebook post would gain the momentum that it did. What I witnessed on Saturday, was the true reflection as to why I am proud to call this place my home ❤️
I want to give a huge shout out to Natalie and her crew at GBR - Craft Burgers & Poutines. You three were beyond incredible! For those that do not know, these three did not stop! No breaks, no taking 5 to get off their feet, not even a chance to stop and eat a meal themselves. They faced a never ending line up with a smile on their face and never faltered.
I would also like to give a shout out to our own crew, that kept the wheels turning in the shop behind the scenes. Thank you Matt, Jody and Ethan for supporting us in this fundraiser and always putting up with my million and one ways to make your days more challenging 😁 We appreciate you! You boys are worth your weight in gold! Thank you to Kaitlyn who kept answering phones, running the front desk, collecting donations inside and somehow also managing to have time to be able to convert my office into a prep kitchen. She spent a few years working for Natalie, and her cross trained skills played a key role in ensuring that everything ran smooth.
Most importantly I want to thank each and every one of you, that despite the long line ups and the summer heat, you showed up! You came in waves of smiles and laughter and immeasurable patience. For every one of you that filled the donation jars and for every one of you that came for a meal, you humbled me. You came together and you showed a community spirit that has resonated deep in my heart.
I was asked in the beginning, what my goal was that I hoped to raise. I didn’t set a goal. I have never done anything like this, and I didn’t know what to expect. If I was to set a goal, it would not have touched near what we raised. With Carwen Ltd joining us to match the profits, and all of the collected donations, on behalf of the Swalwell family, we raised $17,298.30.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you ❤️