The Cardiff food bank has been renamed in honour of one of its longest-tenured volunteers, outgoing Highlands East coun. Cam McKenzie.
The space will be known as ‘Cam’s Cupboard’ in recognition of the decade McKenzie spent working there. He joined the food bank, operated by Central Food Network (CFN), in 2015 when it was operating out of the basement of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Through his 10 years with CFN, McKenzie helped transition the food bank to its current location at the back of the Cardiff Post Office at 2778 Monck Rd., planned volunteer work schedules, arranged bulk food pick-ups and community drop offs and oversaw community shopping days.
He stepped down from his volunteer role last spring after going through some serious health scares. That’s the reason the three-term councillor has also decided to call it quits with Highlands East, confirming on June 15 that he won’t be seeking re-election.
Asked for some of his standout memories from volunteering with CFN, McKenzie said it’s the connections he’s made that he holds close. One story about assisting a family with three growing boys always stands out.
“We helped a lot of people over the years, but this family I especially remember. We used to get a good deal on apples from a local producer, so I told the mom to grab a grocery bag and fill it halfway full with apples for her boys. They couldn’t believe it,”
McKenzie said. “They left the food bank that day so excited because each of the boys would have an apple for their lunch every day that week. That’s the kind of thing this is all about.” McKenzie said he found out CFN was planning something earlier this year. He was supposed to attend a gathering at the Cardiff food bank a few months ago but had to cancel last-minute following a difficult morning health-wise. CFN’s Tina Jackson had arranged for McKenzie’s two children to be there for a surprise unveiling of the new sign, which is hanging by the main entrance.
“I felt bad about missing that one,” McKenzie said. “It does make you feel good, being recognized like this. I don’t think it’s necessary. I’ve had a lot of help over the years and there’s a great team in place now… the food bank is established, where it really wasn’t when I got involved.”
Jackson paid homage to McKenzie at CFN’s annual general meeting, held virtually May 28. She said he “gave so much of himself” to the Cardiff food bank, establishing a reputation that will live on long into the future.
“His compassion, stewardship and empathy for neighbours have created a legacy that will endure,” Jackson said.
An unveiling ceremony for the sign will be held June 30 at the food bank.
Three terms and out
McKenzie was first elected in 2014 as the Ward 1 representative for Bicroft. He was re-elected for a second term in 2018 and acclaimed in 2022.
At 78 years of age, McKenzie said he was following the advice of one of his Hollywood heroes, Clint Eastwood, who in the 1971 classic Dirty Harry said, “a man’s got to know his limitations.”
McKenzie added, “I’ve enjoyed my 12 years on council, but my health is telling me no more.” The outgoing official believes it’s an interesting time to get involved in municipal politics, with the County spearheading a project looking for ways for the four lower-tier townships to work more closely together.
“The new affordability and feasibility review is maybe the most important thing I’ve been involved in as a councillor. The decisions made on that file will impact people for generations,” McKenzie said.
