Helen Solmes
Chef Gilles Haché has been bestowed the prestigious Citizen-of-the-Year award for his dedication and commitment to making Meaford a better place to live.
The Rotary Club Citizen-of-the-Year award is the highest honour that is bestowed in the municipality of Meaford, Each year for the past 45 years, citizens have been invited to nominate individuals, according to Rotary President Sonja Glass.
“Gilles was nominated by four individuals,” she said during a videotaped presentation on the steps of Meaford Hall on July 8. “Through donations, fundraising efforts, and leading an army of volunteers, Gilles has addressed literacy, food insecurity, shelters for women and their children in crisis, and multiple other initiatives. With his passion to connect people through his love of cooking, he has brought our community together through food.”
Haché has donated both time and funds to many worthy programs in both the municipality and surrounding areas, including the St Vincent Euphresia Elementary School’s Student Community Council, My Friend’s House, Owen Sound Women’s Centre, and the Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club and Meaford Knights fundraisers.
Haché is best known for his passion to care for people through food. In December of 2018, he initiated a breakfast program at the Christ Church Anglican and in February of last year, a monthly dinner on a pay-what-you-can basis. Gilles and The Christ Church Anglican Outreach volunteers were presented a special merit award for exceptional effort within the community by a volunteer organization during the Meaford Chamber of Commerce 2019 Community Awards. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he has been cooking meals and with the help of volunteers, delivering them to individuals in Grey and Bruce counties.
His passion is inspiring, according to Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney. “The way you gather volunteers and the way you inspire others to support you is incredible,” she said in her message of congratulations on July 8.
Haché recently opened Chez Gilles on Sykes Street that in the past few weeks has been able to serve meals on a street-side patio. He remains committed to “bringing people together with food,” he said. “I will remember this award for the rest of my life, and I will continue to work for you to make sure everyone has a place at my table. I will continue to make sure that people don’t miss food on their tables.”
To view a video of the Citizen-of-the-Year presentation and testimonials, go to facebook.com/MeafordRotary/.
Photo:
Chef Gilles Haché was presented with the Citizen-of-the-Year Award on July 8 during a videotaped ceremony outside of Meaford Hall. Gilles was recognized for his volunteer work to promote literacy, alleviate food insecurities, and help women and children facing personal
