Compassion Society of Halton welcomes new team members

Over the past three years, the Compassion Society of Halton (CSH) has been meeting a 50 per cent increase in client demand for food, self care items, clothing and referral to social services.

“We are quickly working to meet increasing community needs with the support of our volunteers and community donations. And we always welcome new volunteers and donations with gratitude,” said O’neil Edwards, who recently assumed the role Executive Director at CSH.

CSH's mission is to respond to the needs of individuals and families struggling in the community by providing necessary items such as fresh and non-perishable food, hygiene and self-care items, clothing, multiple seasonal gift giving events and referrals to local resources and social services – at no cost to those in need.

"We are grateful to our community donors, volunteers, and staff as we strive to meet ever- increasing demand in the communities we serve," said CSH in a media release.

CSH's Board of Directors recently announced that Edwards, an award-winning education and non-profit professional, will be the agency's new executive director. He hold a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA, and brings two decades of senior leadership experience as a global education administrator to the role. 

"During his over 20 dedicated years of leadership, O’neil has been instrumental in guiding planning processes in supporting the development of innovative programs and services that promote access, diversity, and inclusion," noted the board in the media release. "He looks forward to being of service to the community." 

Also new to the CSH team is office administrator Kay Boyd. She started her career in the manufacturing industry as an assembly worker and gradually moved into a quality Management role where she spent 20-plus years working with manufacturing facilities. Boyd  walked away from manufacturing and started working at the Compassion Society in September 2022, and has never looked back.

“The volunteers are amazing; they are like family and working at the Compassion Society has felt like coming home,” she says.

Akeel Ghaib is operations and warehouse manager at the Fairview Street facility. He is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the printing industry. He is skilled in operational leadership, process optimization, and boosting employee engagement.

"Akeel's passion for lean methodology and continuous improvement has led to successful projects that reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and improve quality and safety," said the board in the media release.

Sierra Kernick rounds out the CSH team, as the client care processes manager. Kernick earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and a Developmental Service Worker Diploma from Fanshawe College, and recently became a Certified Practitioner for Multisensory Environments from Mohawk College. Before joining CSH, she worked with adults with disabilities and clients and caregivers living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Members of the community can support those in need by dropping off food items as well as gently used clothing, becoming a volunteer, or donating to support the Compassion Society of Halton. To find out more, visit www.compassionsocietyofhalton.com.