A grand re-opening for the Village Resource Centre in Wheatley

Meeting the ever-growing need in the community, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the morning of Saturday, April 13 at Wheatley’s Village Resource Centre at 108 Talbot Road East to celebrate both the centre’s expansion and permanence in location.

Founded by three members of the Fulmer family (Susan, Todd and their daughter Tabitha) in March of 2022, the centre has grown from beyond its food pantry roots and now offers meeting areas for various community groups and rentals for alcohol-free bridal showers, family functions and business meetings. 

Fulmer shared, “We opened to the public in July of 2022 and we found that we needed more office space and we had support groups wanting to meet here.”

“We’ve set up the food pantry space so that clients can pick out their own items in a dignified manner. We give every item a value and give our clients an allowance of sorts to spend as they wish,” said Susan Fulmer, who now sits on the board of directors for the centre.

The way the food pantry runs is unique in that the public is encouraged to come in and shop for grocery items and, because the centre has charitable status, any proceeds are fed back into the operation to feed those in need. 

Fulmer said, “Everyone wants to help and they don’t know how and this is an easy, tangible way to help your neighbour by shopping here.”

A small vendor’s market was also on hand at the re-opening and many people were seen inquiring about their wares. 

“The vendor’s market is a way for the community to gather on a regular basis and brings in a crowd that helps both them and us,” said Fulmer.

As for future plans, an upcoming Trillium grant from the provincial government will allow the Village Resource Centre to provide a greater variety of food choices with a new refrigeration system being installed.

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.