A pair of local businesses were recognized by the Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF) for contributing to the foundation’s causes.

Rivertowne Family Dental and Mariner’s Rescue bed and breakfast were awarded certificates by ACF board members. ACF director Linden Crain Made the presentation at Rivertowne Dental to Dr. Sean Sinasac, the latter stating it was Crain who reached out and made the initial contact.

“I think this group leading the foundation is solid,” said Sinasac. “I like their initiatives. A group like this in our community deserves our support.”

The donation from Rivertowne Dental will be over three years but the exact amount was not disclosed. Sinasac said that businesses regularly get approached for donations and, after due diligence, they decided the ACF was “a good group of people that are going to do something good.” He added they are interested in seeing the community grow.

Crain said he has been a patient at Rivertown Dental for approximately ten years and has developed a relationship with Sinasac. He believed some of the initiatives, including the single-track cycling trail at Holiday Beach Conservation Area and the Amherstburg library refresh, were up Sinasac’s alley and approached him.

“I pretty much reached out to him and gave him a cold call. I explained the foundation’s four initiatives (which also includes a mentorship and speaker series at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum and upgrades to Beaudoin Park in River Canard) and he took it from there.”

Crain added the ACF wants more youth to get involved and while they may not have the funds at this stage of their lives, youth can still provide a powerful force and encourage people to get involved.

“I think it’s important youth in schools are aware of the foundation,” he said.

Mariner’s Rescue owners Lauri, John and son Kaine Brouyette said they purchased the home at 223 Dalhousie St., the former Jewellery by Design location, with the intent of converting it into a luxury vacation home.

“Who doesn’t love Dalhousie St.?” asked Lauri.

Now that the air B&B is running, they decided to give back. They went to the Gil Penelosa presentation and were inspired to make a donation. That too was undisclosed.

“We were sold about all the things that we could do to bring the community together,” she said.

Kaine still lives in Amherstburg while John and Lauri plan to move back after John retires. They contacted ACF director Lori Wightman about making a donation and Wightman said she was happy to help.

“The ACF is obviously looking to get buy-in from the community and residents,” said Wightman. “We want to work together to make the community an even better place.”

For more information on the Amherstburg Community foundation or to donate, visit www.amherstburgfoundation.org

Ron Giofu - River Town Times

October 16, 2019