HCIA Held Virtual AGM December 9, 2020

Posted by Jennifer Payne on Friday, December 11, 2020 · Leave a Comment

On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, Headwaters Communities In Action took the occasion of their Annual General Meeting to connect attendees with some community builders and neighbours and to reflect on the wonderful gifts – both given and received – that come with engagement with our community.

“At a time when people may feel isolated for so many more reasons than usual, we wanted to give space for sharing, and particularly for some of the unexpected gifts or things people have found to be grateful for.” said Trish Keachie, HCIA Leadership Council Chair.

The theme for the evening was Sharing Your Gifts. Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon, welcomed guests with a video message. Guests were treated to presentations from people directly involved with HCIA, demonstrating gifts of Wisdom, Wealth and Work, as well as others from our communities who have stories to share of gifts that resulted either from some challenge in their lives, or who have felt compelled to give back.

Through chat posts and discussion, guests were asked to focus on gratitude by looking back at the gifts that stand out from their experiences this year and by looking forward with a wish for the future of our community. Wayne Townsend of Orangeville and Bella Carter of Shelburne shared their heart-felt stories of giving and gratitude via video for the event.

“Gift-giving is often seen as reciprocal. But what if you can’t give back? Gratitude is a powerful force, benefiting not only the people or things for whom we are grateful, but for the one practicing it, gratitude is a gift in itself.” said Jennifer Payne, Executive Director of HCIA.

Local Mono singer/songwriter Emily Gilbart provided live music via video as a welcome and send off for attendees. Early registrants received gifts containing tea from Escarpment Gardens in Mono, cookies from Lavender Blue in Orangeville and custom HCIA masks from Town Tees in Shelburne, delivered by members of the Leadership Council.

Headwaters Communities in Action Leadership Council

The HCIA Leadership Council, is a very active group of volunteers who represent a diverse cross-section of our community. During the business portion of the AGM, the HCIA Leadership Council elected members to the offices of Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. They also officially welcomed Elizabeth Hawkins and Errol Chambers to begin their terms as Directors.

The Leadership Council includes:

· Trish Keachie (Chair) – Former Executive Director, DCAFS

· Diana Morris (Past Chair) – General Manager, Dufferin Board of Trade

· Elizabeth Hawkins (Vice-Chair) – Business Development, Town of Newmarket

· Jeff Sedgwick (Treasurer) – The Co-operators

· Jennifer Hamilton (Secretary) – Headwaters Health Care

· Gord Gallaugher – Dufferin Community Foundation

· Jeremy Bullock – Economic Development, Dufferin County

· Errol Chambers – Digital Copywriter and Telecom Consultant

· Andrew James – STREAMS Hub

· Darren White – Warden, Dufferin County

Lynn Codd and Madeline Gibson have stepped down from the board this year. We would like to thank Lynn and Madeline for the time, expertise and passion they have given to the HCIA organization.

The HCIA Leadership Council would like to thank all our partners, supporters and cheerleaders. It’s all about community!

The following are links to videos and articles shown during the event.