Guest Content Creator: River Bookshop

Today Amherstburg is one of Ontario’s great small towns, but greatness doesn’t happen on its own. Nature, history, and human actions always play a part. Amherstburg’s location right beside the Detroit River originally made it an important place and adds to its beauty to this day. From the War of 1812, to Freedom seekers escaping slavery in the United States, and Rum Running – history has left its mark! But so have the creativity, hard work, and enthusiasm of its residents.

During 2026 we are going to shine a light on what we think makes Amherstburg great. Our hope is that this new series helps you get to know the town better, support its many businesses and attractions, and become a strong, positive champion of the town. Look for our first story in our next Buzz.

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“We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what give.” – Winston Churchill

Tim Mcallister and his wife Violet are a force leading The Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission – and they need to be, because the mission is so important. Their mission statement: “To relieve poverty in Amherstburg by providing free meals to those residents that may be economically disadvantaged and to promote the health of the community through fellowship to residents in need.”

Since its founding by Andy and Pat Gervais in 1994, the work of the Mission has always been urgent and never ever done. One of its vital community services is providing hundreds of meals a week to feed the body, but also to nourish the spirit. Their building at 298 Victoria is a small, chaotic space with so much going on:

• Food and clothing bank
• Hot meals
• Emergency food bank
• Help for families to meet their basic needs
• Access to computer stations

Their ability to do all this is a team effort. Tim with his wonderful smile is its most visible champion and their best sales person. He humbly says that it’s his “calling.” But it also would not be a success without the support from Violet and a great board of directors. The mission team is super busy providing meals, but they also have to work hard to generate the funds to pay for it all. To contribute to their fundraising, River Bookshop is making a donation of $1,000.

You too can contribute! Call 516-736-9140.