Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) proudly recognizes its long-serving staff members. At this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), CNH staff and contractors who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service and dedication to the neighbourhood house were thanked by the Board of Directors.
This year, we recognize and celebrate Paul Reid, editor of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community (RCC) News, for over 25 years of service.
Most notably, Paul may be recognized for his work as the editor and layout designer of the RCC News, but his connection to CNH goes much further. Over 25 years ago, Paul first walked into CNH to use the facilities, and he was invited to join the board of directors. Soon after, Paul became board treasurer and eventually volunteered on several committees, including the Renfrew-Collingwood heritage committee, the Collingwood Days committee and the communications committee.
Throughout Paul’s time at CNH, he has volunteered as a prevention education mentor and with the Renfrew-Collingwood music club. In addition to working with the RCC News, Paul has also worked as an ESL (English Second Language) instructor, where he met his wife of 16 years, Dolores. Paul is passionate about his community at CNH, stating that the reason he has continued to volunteer and work in the neighbourhood is because “helping one’s community never gets old.”
Paul’s fondest memories at CNH include being Collingwood Days stage manager for over 10 years, helping create the Faces of our Neighbourhood mural that was displayed at CNH for years and, of course, the impact the RCC News has had on the local community. In fact, Paul is most proud of using the RCC News to “help save and restore Firehall 15, the original Carleton School House, and the Collingwood Branch 48 of the Royal Canadian Legion.”
In his many roles at CNH, Paul has built many relationships at CNH, many of which have inspired his work in the neighbourhood. Reflecting on these relationships, he says we should all feel inspired to connect with those who are most active in our communities.
Thank you, Paul, and many congratulations on this milestone!
