Gayle Sears has always been one to help people. After spending years as a pastor with the Salvation Army – a calling which took her to cities and towns across southwestern Ontario, but all through that time Niagara was on her radar. Three of her four children live here. She is a grandmother to five kids with a sixth on the way.
“I have had a fulfilling career with the Salvation Army that has transferred me to many wonderful communities through the years, but it was now time to establish some roots,” Sears said. “I am so happy to be settling in Niagara. I feel at home already.”
Sears is a new face at Pelham Cares, taking over as manager of the organization from Jennifer Dube, who left in November of last year.
The urge to help people has been with Sears since she was a teen.
“I feel that it is so important to think outside of yourself and to give of yourself to others,” she says. “That is what being a part of community is all about. We all have something to give to one another and as we develop relationships, it enhances our own life.”
Her position with Pelham Cares has enabled Sears satisfy her desire to help and establish those roots in the community that she holds in such high regard. She doesn’t underestimate for a moment the “pivotal role” the agency plays in town, especially now when economic times are rough.
“The individuals and families that need our services are growing weekly,” Sears said. “We have the unique privilege of connecting the generosity of our donors to meet the needs in our community that might not otherwise be met.”
And the need is ever-increasing, Sears says.
“The need is great everywhere, and Pelham is no exception,” Sears says. “Over the summer months, our shelves were drained of many items that we would consider staples. We have never seen our non-perishable supply so low. We need support, both monetary and food donations from our generous community. Every little bit helps, for sure.”
A shopping model was recently introduced for the food bank and services are now available via appointment to provide services more efficiently, Sears said.
“The shopping experience also gives us a little more time to get to know people better which creates a sense of community.”
She has learned a lot about Pelham Cares since coming on board on June 1.
“We have a compassionate team of individuals through the board, staff and volunteers that all work together to provide the services that we offer at Pelham Cares,” Sears said.
Those services include a food bank, a subsidy for youth to take part in sports and other activities such as music lessons, transportation for those in need of assistance to attend medical appointments, emergency services when there is a crisis and referrals to other support systems as needed. Seasonal help is also available through programs for back to school, winter coats, and Christmas.
“That is the heart of Pelham Cares, and I am proud to be a member of the team,” Sears said.
