Peter Hills Retires - Modesty in Motion
Over the last 18 years, it is estimated that approximately 250,000 kilos (over 551,000 pounds) of food have been collected and distributed by Port Hope’s Fare Share Food Bank (FSFB), to meet the needs of the nearly 300 individuals who visit the food bank weekly, which equates to roughly 15,600 visits each year. The one constant entity who has overseen and managed the operations through those 18 years has been Peter Hills. And on May 1st it is Peter’s turn to hand over the reins to others so that they may continue to provide food and basic necessities to those in need.
In 1996, Peter joined the FSFB as Manager, running everything from conducting food-drives, to sorting, stocking, packing and delivering food to individuals and families. For the last nine years, Peter has worked diligently at the current and original location in the lower level of the United Church at 34 South Street. The town’s food bank has had several homes over the years; at one time it was located in the lobby in the Capitol Theatre, Turner House at the corner of Mill and Peter Streets, Barrett’s Terrace, in the Rona Hardware building then finally returning to its original location in 2005 at the Port Hope United Church.
As a dedicated member of the Port Hope community and devoted volunteer for over 56 years, Peter is looking forward to his retirement. In the early 1960s, he became a volunteer with Scouts Canada and later dedicated his time to helping local kids and organizations throughout his home-town of Port Hope. Before he joined the Food Bank, Peter coached hockey with the Port Hope Beaver Athletic Association and Big Brothers of Northumberland.
Most recently on April 10, Peter was presented with a Community Service Award for organizing emergency deliveries of food during the 2013 ice storm. In some cases, he provided extra deliveries to help people get through the unprecedented ice storm. The Community Service awards recognize individuals or groups for outstanding volunteerism in Port Hope. Consideration is given to length of service, impact on the community, contributions to and leadership in making Port Hope a better place to live.
The people of Port Hope and Cobourg have been blessed to have Peter Hills as an enthusiastic and committed member of Northumberland’s Fare Share Food Banks, an organization which has served individuals and families throughout both communities for over 30 years. Peter adds, “The people I have worked with and served over these last 18 years have been fantastic – dedicated volunteers and grateful citizens; you couldn’t find a more generous and giving community.”
We thank Peter for his constant commitment and devotion to those in need and wish him the very best in his retirement.