When Lori Lazaros and her husband, David, moved to Millbrook in 2019, they were beginning a new chapter in their lives.
Lori had recently retired after spending much of her career at the Fairmont Royal York. Then the pandemic arrived, and she found herself searching for a new sense of purpose and a way to become involved in her community.
The opportunity appeared in the local newspaper.
The Millbrook & District Food Share was looking for volunteers to help bring in its monthly Kawartha delivery. Lori and David decided to show up one Friday and lend a hand.
They were welcomed by Clarke Mayhew, Jim Cooper and the other Food Share volunteers, who showed them what needed to be done.
“The rest is history!” Lori says. “We became regular volunteers and thoroughly loved it.”
What began with unloading one delivery grew into more than five years of volunteering, community partnerships and friendships. Today, Lori is the Food Share’s Director of Community Outreach and Social Media.
“This is my passion,” she says. “Plus, we do have a lot of fun!”
Neighbours helping neighbours
The Millbrook & District Food Share currently assists approximately 90 local families with food and essential household products, including items such as laundry detergent and shampoo.
It is open every Tuesday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and serves residents throughout the Township of Cavan Monaghan.
Residents seeking assistance are asked to provide a current address showing that they live within the Township. No financial information is required.
At Christmas, registered clients also receive food hampers.
Lori is quick to emphasize that none of this work belongs to one person. The Food Share is supported by a dedicated executive committee, approximately 15 additional volunteers and partnerships with organizations including Millbrook Foodland and Community Care Millbrook.
“It really does take a village,” she says.
Support without judgement
When asked what she wishes more people understood about the Food Share, Lori’s answer is direct: “Please refrain from judgement.”
The people who turn to the Food Share are neighbours. Many are working full-time, raising families and doing everything they can to keep up with the increasing cost of living. An unexpected expense or difficult period can be enough to leave a household needing additional support.
Lori also points out that many Food Share clients volunteer and help others whenever they are able.
The Food Share exists to provide practical assistance—and a welcoming place where residents can ask for help without judgement.
For Lori, that understanding is an important part of what community means: recognizing that circumstances can change, treating people with kindness and showing up for one another when help is needed.
There is always a way to help
Residents don’t need to make a large commitment to make a difference.
On the last Friday of each month, volunteers are needed to help carry the Kawartha delivery inside. Lori says the work generally takes about 20 minutes, allowing the volunteers inside to begin unloading and organizing the food.
Residents can also leave food donations in the collection bins at Millbrook Foodland and Community Care Millbrook, or bring them directly to the Food Share between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Lori’s own involvement began with one newspaper notice and a decision to lend a hand. Years later, that small act has become an important part of her life in Millbrook.
Her story is a reminder that becoming part of a community doesn’t always begin with a grand plan.
Sometimes, it begins by simply showing up.