Blais hopes to travel the world
FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca
The past five and a half years have certainly been an adventure for Alyssa Blais. But it’s now time for a new chapter in her life. “I set out to do something at Agapè and I accomplished my goals,” said Blais. “I feel like my time has come to an end and I’m leaving it in great hands.” The 44-year-old oversaw an important shift within the non-profit organization, earning the Agapè Centre formal recognition as a Good Food Organization. The woman also planted a fruit forest, introduced a kid’s cooking programcalled Curious Chefs, and brought two new fundraising events to the organization: Coldest Night of the Year and Canstruction Cornwall. Outside the office, Blais ran for city council in 2014. She’s a graduate from St. Francis Xavier University and the Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) Leadership Institute in 2015. But the accomplishment she’s most proud of is the successful building campaign she and her teamcarried out last year, renovating the 27, 000 square foot building into a safer, more accessible space. “Working with Bourgon Construction and seeing the progress of a crumbling building turning into a place where people can come and feel comfortable was something special,” she explained. “There’s a sense of peace that wasn’t here before. We dusted off this building and made it into a beautiful and safe place. It’s our home and people are happier here now. » An avid scuba diver, Blais likened the process to finding treasures, out in the St. Lawrence River. “When you find a cannon ball in the water, it’s full of crust, it’s gross and grey. But when you polish it, it’s beautiful and shiny and something you’re proud to share with others,” she said. “It was a huge learning experience.” After owning and operating an organic farm, and then working at the city for four years, the opportunity to be director of an organization that feeds people called to Blais in 2010. “I have a very deep connection with food, and I believe everybody should eat well,” she expressed. “I thought it would be life changing, and it was.” Blais describes being the leader of the local food bank, community kitchen and thrift store, as one of the hardest but also one of the most enriching experiences of her life. “It really opened my eyes to a lot
Alyssa Blais, the executive director of the Agapè Centre, recently announced that she was leaving her post in order to tackle a new chapter in her life. Her last day will be May 26, and the Agapè Centre board members will announce recruitment plans soon.
of different things that I never would have seen – even just the issue of poverty alone,” she said. “I’ve never experienced it in the way that some people have, and you don’t realize it until you’re in it.” The executive director says she’s happy with what she’s done during the past five and a half years, but it’s time for new leadership. “We’ve built a good team here. I feel good about leaving it now.’’ Knowing Blais’ love of all things outdoors, Johanne Gauthier, operations manager for the non-profit, commented on the departure using a campingmetaphor. “You always try to leave a campsite in better condition than when you first come upon it,” said Gauthier.
“I think Alyssa can leave in peace knowing that she has left the Agapè Centre a much stronger organization than when she was first hired.” Jim Healey, chair of the Agapè Centre board, expressed his sadness at the loss of Blais’ leadership as executive director, but understands her desire to spread her wings and explore the world. “Alyssa has provided stability and direction to the running of the Agapè Centre that will be missed,” Healey said. “The Board wishes Alyssa a well- deserved rest and great success in all of her future endeavors.” What’s next for the adventurous woman? Sheplansontakingasabbaticalforsixmonths
to a year, and travel to Newfoundland, Nepal, Thailand, and beyond. “I want to trek and do some serious hiking,” she said. “I want to experience different cultures and see how others live and enjoy life. I want to visit Dr. Shiva’s organic farm in India. This is the first time in my life where I can really experience the world in a different way, and I would like to do it before it’s too late.” The executive director’s last day will be May 26, and the Agapè Centre board members will announce recruitment plans soon.
Le Journal, Cornwall
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Le mercredi 18 mai 2016
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