Celebrating Legendary Community Members: Darlene Ruiter

Celebrating Darlene Ruiter: Guelph City Mazda's Legendary Community Hero

Since 2021, Mazda Canada and its Retailers have contributed over $2.5 million to drive positive change and support communities across Canada. In 2024, Mazda Retailers continue this tradition by recognizing and giving back to Legendary community members who embody the Mazda spirit of uplifting others and making a difference. At Guelph City Mazda, we are proud to join in this initiative by honoring one of our local heroes.

This year, we are thrilled to celebrate Darlene Ruiter as our chosen Legendary community member. Affectionately known as "Dar," Darlene has spent over 30 years volunteering at the Guelph Food Bank, dedicating her time, energy, and heart to those in need. Often volunteering seven days a week, she has become an irreplaceable pillar of the organization. Despite facing recent health challenges and spending time in the hospital, Darlene’s unwavering commitment continues to inspire everyone around her. She is truly a symbol of resilience and compassion.

The Impact of the Guelph Food Bank

The Guelph Food Bank was established by Spiritwind Christian Centre in 1989 with a clear mission: to help those in need of food support while encouraging self-sufficiency through various life skills programs. Their work has been vital to the Guelph community, offering relief to individuals and families facing financial hardships.

What They Do:

• Provide emergency food support to individuals and families in need.
• Partner with other charities and non-profit organizations to alleviate the effects of poverty.

Why They Do It: In a world that produces enough food to feed everyone, hunger should not exist. However, for many in our community, hunger remains a harsh reality due to economic hardships, job instability, and rising costs of living. The Guelph Food Bank connects those in need with supplemental food support that would otherwise be out of reach, ensuring no one has to face hunger alone.

Why Darlene is a Legend

The Guelph Food Bank team often says that Darlene embodies the spirit of their mission. Her tireless dedication and positive attitude uplift not only the people she serves but also the volunteers and staff who work alongside her. As one team member noted, “If anyone in our organization deserves this recognition, it’s Dar.”

Join Us in Celebrating Darlene

At Guelph City Mazda, we are honored to recognize Darlene’s incredible contributions to our community. She reminds us that being Legendary isn’t about accolades or fame—it’s about making a real difference in the lives of others.

To learn more about the Guelph Food Bank and how you can support their mission, visit Feed Ontario.

Let’s celebrate Darlene and all the Legendary members of our community who choose to uplift and inspire us every day.