By Echo Staff

Published Dec. 11 2018

Craig McDonald is this year’s recipient of the Community Recognition Award given by the Algonquin Gateway Business Association at its annual general meeting at the Wilberforce Legion on Nov. 29.

McDonald the owner of Wilberforce Foodland was chosen because of his commitment to charity and helping the community.

“Craig is a real community person” said Owen Trefry president of the business association in a press release. “He is always willing to sponsor local sports such as children’s baseball teams. He also supports local charities such as the food bank. He is a strong advocate of promoting local business and buying locally.”

This past fall McDonald offered the association upgraded advertising signage at Foodland. Spots were sold to members with proceeds going to charity. Nearly $7000 was raised to be donated over a two-year period.

Runners up for this year’s Community Recognition Award included Roberta Walsh of the Bostonian Motel Rob Watson and Karen Warner of 13 Oaks Firewood and Ann Corrigan of Harcourt Park Marina.

Walsh is an organizer of the Santa Claus Parade and the family party at Lloyd Watson Centre afterward. Gifts are given to every child younger than 10.

Watson and Warner have donated logs and use of their wood processor to the Haliburton County Heat Bank over the years which has been appreciated by the charity.

Corrigan helped to develop and launch the Buy Close By campaign. “Her efforts in bringing attention to buying locally will benefit the AGBA community as well as the community at large for years to come” the press release states.