Mike Wright has been helping others since he was a teen and those efforts recently landed him a couple of pretty special awards.
The 25-year Renfrew Collegiate Institute (RCI) teacher and president of the Renfrew and District Food Bank received a King Charles III Coronation Medal for Community Service and Philanthropy through Food Banks Canada CEO for his long history of food bank service.
In addition, Wright was presented with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.
How is he feeling about the accolades?
Wright began his career at RCI in September of 2000, teaching primarily geography and science and now leads mostly foods and geography classes. He tells myFM the OSSTF award is based on his years of being on the executive of the local membership. These days, his equity-seeking work is among his top priorities there.
And his involvement with the food bank continues to be very important to him.
What drives his desire to help?
He’s always had a desire to help others, particularly to support people seeking to better themselves.
His advice for those who would like to get involved?
Looking ahead, he plans to continue to work for the greater good of the community.
Wright says the food bank is always in need. Again this fall, RCI will be running the food rescue program, a partnership between the school, food bank and Chris and Tanya’s No Frills that sees almost expired food turned into soups, salads and more for students and food bank clients.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
