“We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what give.”
—Winston Churchill
Tim Mcallister and his wife Violet are a force leading The Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission—and they need to be, because the mission is so important. Their mission statement:
“To relieve poverty in Amherstburg by providing free meals to those residents that may be economically disadvantaged and to promote the health of the community through fellowship to residents in need.”
Since its founding by Andy and Pat Gervais in 1994, the work of the Mission has always been urgent and never ever done. One of its vital community services is providing hundreds of meals a week to feed the body, but also to nourish the spirit. Their building at 298 Victoria is a small, chaotic space with so much going on:
Food and clothing bank Hot meals Emergency food bank Help for families to meet their basic needs Access to computer stations
Their ability to do all this is a team effort. Tim with his wonderful smile is its most visible champion and their best sales person. He humbly says that it’s his “calling.” But it also would not be a success without the support from Violet and a great board of directors. The mission team is super busy providing meals, but they also have to work hard to generate the funds to pay for it all. To contribute to their fundraising, River Bookshop is making a donation of $1,000.
You too can contribute! Call 516-736-9140.
The important work being performed by the Mission is challenging right now with area unemployment up to 8.1%, and after the coldest and snowiest winter in years. Today the Mission is a clear example of What Makes Amherstburg Great, but it needs your help to keep doing its important work.
Listen to the Mission interview on CKBG 107.9 FM at 8AM this Saturday and Sunday.
Opening new businesses is not for the fainthearted. Next week, meet a new local business that's adding to our community and learn what significant challenges new businesses face just to survive. Hint: 
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BOOK DAY DRAW
Join us Friday and Sunday at 11AM for March Break Story Time and you will be entered into our draw!
Plus, with each purchase of a Children's Book between March 16th and April 5th, you will be entered into our Easter Basket Draw! Two ways to enter. See you at River Bookshop!
MARCH BREAK STORY TIME CONTINUES FRIDAY & SUNDAY
On Friday, March 20th, we are exploring the stories and art of author Barbara Reid, who uses modeling clay to exquisitely illustrate her story. Come read these stories with Darrie-Ann and help create our very own modeling clay picture!
On Sunday, March 22nd, On Air personality Terence from CKBG Radio Amherstburg joins us in the Children's Nook to read some favourite tales to the kids.
Our March Break and Sunday Story Time take place at 11AM in the Children's Nook at River Bookshop.
MARTY GERVAIS: NEW BOOK ABOUT AMHERSTBURG
We have something new and exciting coming to Amherstburg. River Bookshop is happy to announce the arrival of a new book about this small town by local author and photographer Marty Gervais.
Amherstburg: Picture A River Town is a new book showcasing Amherstburg, ON, through photos and stories. Join us for the official launch! Thursday April 9th, starting at 6:30PM. Seating is limited. Click here to reserve your seat.
EVELYN'S PERSONALIZED EASTER EGGS ARE BACK
Evelyn’s Personalized Chocolate Easter Eggs are back for the second year and now available in TWO sizes!
Inspired by Easter traditions, these hollow chocolate eggs are hand decorated with royal icing and personalized just for you...
Stop by to order in store, or order online here: Evelyn's Personalized Easter Eggs
Pictured above, last Sunday at Story Time we welcomed one of our very own Story Time moms as our Sunday reader. Huge thank you from our staff and Story Time friends to Kayla Phenix for joining us as our guest reader. We had so much fun!
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team