Passing the torch — a Goodfellows Christmas legacy

The Leamington Mersea Goodfellows have been partnering with Leamington District Secondary School students since 1978 for their annual Christmas can drive and this year was no exception.

According to long-time volunteer organizer Henry Hildebrandt, the idea came about when three LDSS teachers were playing hockey at Wheatley Arena in 1978.

“They would stop in at the Legion after hockey and got talking about doing a can drive,” he said. “The rest is history.”

Those three teachers were Bob Lee, Chuck Ives and the late Jake Unger.

Mr. Hildebrandt — a fellow teacher at LDSS — was recruited by the group and has spent every late November and early December since, helping to coordinate the annual collection and distribution of canned food donations.

The original group convened at Armstrong Produce across from the old high school on Talbot Street West in those early years and then spent the past 20 years on Industrial Drive at Westmoreland Sales and Topline.

The late Don Nicholson was the driving force behind the Leamington Goodfellows at the time and the group grew with volunteers coming forth under the leadership of those original members.

“We’ve done this every year since 1978 except for one,” says Henry. “That was because of COVID.”

With last weekend’s delivery of the annual Goodfellows Christmas baskets behind them, Henry is ready to pass the torch on to a younger group and take a step back.

Last year, a new group of volunteer members came aboard, and this year they spent some time shadowing the veteran group to ensure a seamless transition.

Bill Slater, who is the Goodfellows president, says that volunteers like Henry are invaluable to an organization like the Goodfellows.

“It’s always great having Henry around, said Slater, who’s been involved for about 18 years. “He knows everybody. He’s taught everybody.”

That initial group of teachers – Lee, Ives and Unge – brought an idea to fruition and all continued to coordinate for years. Mr. Lee and Mr. Ives have stepped back in recent years and Mr. Unger passed away several years ago.

Slater says the new group is very well organized and ready to carry on in the tradition set up by Hildebrandt and his contemporaries.

“Every one of them are wonderful volunteers,” he said. “It feels good to see it all happen.”

Alex Walling came aboard a few years ago after being recruited by the late Ron Haley to take over some of his many duties. Ron passed away in 2021. Alex is now the treasurer and says she is sure that the previous executive would be proud of the continuing hard work of the board.

Along the way, volunteers such as Richard Stockwell, Ron Regehr and a flurry of others have put in many years as well.

The current committee of seven people includes Slater, Walling, Martin Rahn, Cheryl Klemens, Dan Braun, Lisa Jeffery and Mary Kay Gabert. Most of them are active or retired school teachers, so the tradition of having teachers involved continues.

Mary Kay Gabert — who is the daughter of original can drive coordinator Bob Lee — is happy to step up for the cause.

“It’s an honour to carry on the service that this tireless group of volunteers has dedicated themselves to,” she says. “I feel so much pride in the work they accomplished and hope to continue this tradition for years to come.”

Martin Rahn, who has taken over the coordination of volunteers and distribution, is thankful that they’ve shared their knowledge.

“The opportunity to be mentored by the ones who put this in place is a unique privilege,” he says.

The flurry of activity on Saturday, December 16 at Topline’s warehouse on Industrial Drive was a testament to the work those in the past have put in to streamline the process of gathering, sorting and distributing, and a further testament to the dedication of the new board in carrying on this long-standing community tradition.

Dozens of volunteers worked like a well-oiled machine to get over 800 baskets into the vehicles of dozens more volunteer drivers.

“This generous group of founding members should be recognized for their many years of service and goodwill to the community,” said Cheryl Klemens. “It’s important this story is shared as part of their legacy.”

Dan Braun — whose father John is a long-time volunteer — has taken on the task of coordinating the students for the collection and packing of the donations and he’s happy to be working alongside his wife and daughters, who are also now involved. Dan himself has been involved for the past several years.

“I have been privileged to be a part of Goodfellows for many years in different roles,” he said. “I am constantly impressed by the generosity, effort and time that many people contribute to make this endeavour possible. Many hands make light work.”

Although the shoes to be filled are quite large, the new group of board members are all experienced ambitious volunteers who appear to be more than up for the task.

Slater says they all have a skill set which allows them to run a smooth operation.

And for that, Henry Hildebrandt is grateful.

“It’s easy to step back and watch these new people emerging,” he added.