P.E.I. business owner receives George Key Sr. Citizen of the Year award
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — David Groom mentioned he was honoured when he heard he had been chosen to obtain this yr’s Summerside’s George Key Sr. – Citizen of the 12 months award.
“It was good,” mentioned Groom. “It was humbling and form of appreciative.”
Groom was offered with the award July 1 throughout the metropolis’s Canada Day Civic Ceremony, attended by dozens of Summerside residents.
Groom owns Summerside’s High quality Inn and Suites, Brother’s Two Restaurant and Feast Dinner Theatre.
By way of these companies, he’s at all times wanting to assist – whether or not by using refugees and newcomers from locations just like the Philippines or internet hosting volunteers there for a free meal.
“We like to acknowledge volunteers (in) the neighborhood,” he mentioned, including that he has hosted volunteers from teams like Summerside’s Free Retailer and Meals on Wheels.
“We do it once we really feel somebody’s finished good in the neighborhood that must be acknowledged.”
Not too long ago, Groom has additionally finished his half to help native Ukrainian refugees, serving to them discover lodging.
His companies usually are not the one methods Groom lends a hand to individuals in want. For the final six years, he has sponsored the Summerside Boys and Ladies Membership’s Coat for Children program, the place he has gotten to know Free Retailer proprietor and operator Belinda Woods, who can be concerned with this system. She nominated Groom for the award. For the final two years, he has lent Woods his assist and made donations to the shop.
“Throughout COVID, we needed to make appointments to get the youngsters out and in,” he mentioned. “She’s an amazing asset to the neighborhood. Speak about volunteerism, she’s up there, too.”
Deborah Brown, George Key Sr.’s granddaughter, offered the award, saying that her grandfather was a “variety, caring, mild man,” who was at all times at work to enhance Summerside.
“From what I perceive of David Groom, he shares the values of my grandfather,” mentioned Brown. “I do know my grandfather could be very happy with this yr’s recipient.”
Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart additionally attended the ceremony, acknowledging all the things Groom has finished for the neighborhood.
“Thanks to your many contributions to many organizations,” mentioned Stewart on the ceremony. “We have now a greater metropolis through which to reside due to your efforts.”
On the ceremony, the Faculty of Piping additionally obtained the C. Ross MacKenzie award, which is offered yearly to an individual or group who contributes tremendously to the town’s Canada Day ceremonies.
“They’re at all times there for the town of Summerside,” mentioned Stewart.
Kristin Gardiner is a reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. @KristinGardiner
