The Valley’s own Madawaska Coffee Co. was honoured today at the November Renfrew County Council meeting when Warden Jennifer Murphy presented owners Neil and Sarah Wright with the Warden’s Community Service Award. The awards were presented in three categories. Madawaska Coffee Company was the recipient of the award in the business category, the Killaloe Food Bank was honoured as the not-for-profit organization, and Brenda Grady received the individual award. Shown above from left: Chair of the Development and Property Committee, Robert Sweet; County Councillor and Mayor of the Township of Madawaska Valley, Kim Love; Recipients, Neil Wright and Sarah Wright, Madawaska Coffee Company; Warden of the County of Renfrew, Jennifer Murphy. (photo submitted)
The Warden’s Community Service Awards recognize and promote the outstanding efforts by community champions in Renfrew County. Warden Murphy expressed her pleasure in bringing to light the excellent contributions the recipients have made to their communities. “These awards gratefully acknowledge the excellence of community minded organizations and individuals in Renfrew County. All three of these recipients are truly community champions. Each of them has selflessly contributed their time and effort in a socially responsible manner that demonstrates what it means to be a quality of life advocate.”
Neil and Sarah Wright told The Current how they felt about the award. Neil said, “We try to work with the community and have the community all support each other.” Sarah elaborated, “A business is only as strong as the community that supports it. We have always really believed that. It’s important for us. We fell in love with this area — that’s why we decided to start and grow our business here. It’s giving back to be able to support other important elements of our community whether it be through employment or [providing coffee] at schools, charities and different events. It contributes to who we are as Madawaska Valley or as residents of Renfrew County.”
Toni Lavigne-Conway, Executive Director of St. Francis Valley Health Foundation, nominated Madawaska Coffee Co. for the award. In the nomination form she described why she felt they were worthy of this honour:
“For the past five years, their support, encouragement and guidance has helped our Foundation to develop a small volunteer run coffee kiosk in the Hospital, serving patients and staff. They have also volunteered themselves and provided complimentary coffee at many of our events always lending their help when needed. Truly innovative community minded entrepreneurs, their keen business ideas have helped with the economic development of our community, creating jobs and offering a product that previously did not exist in our area.”
Director of Development & Property, Craig Kelley in his address to council stressed the importance of the awards and the value of rewarding those who contribute in a positive manner to the County of Renfrew as a community. “In Renfrew County our communities grow stronger daily through the commitments of individuals, businesses and organizations, and their selfless volunteer efforts. These individuals, businesses, and organizations have made a clear impact upon the quality of life here in Renfrew County.”
Each year, a Selection Review Committee comprised of the County of Renfrew Warden, Chief Administrative Officer and one member of County Council select the award recipients. Nominees are considered in each of the three categories: Individual Person, Not-for-profit Organization, and For-profit Business. All nominees are considered on the basis of criteria as to how they contribute to the County of Renfrew’s quality of life.
Readers of The Current will recall our report on the growth of the Wrights’ business since whitewater paddling on the Madawaska River drew them to the Valley. Click HERE to read that article.
Barber,M., Media Relations, County of Renfrew (2019,Nov.27) Warden Murphy Recognizes Outstanding Community Champions [media release]
Congratulations Neil and Sarah – really appreciate the room you give for arts and crafts in your coffee shop. Good coffee, great sandwiches and beautiful things to look at and buy. Terrific mix.