2020 East Gwillimbury Honouree
Sheri Andrunyk is a long-time resident of Holland Landing in East Gwillimbury, five-time writing sponsor for Portraits of Giving, 2017-2020 Chair of The Salvation Army YHSS Community Advisory Council (serving Belinda’s Place and Sutton Youth Services), founder of Insightful Communications (I C) Publishing and Consulting, and recipient of the first Mental Health Friendly Business Award by CMHA York and South Simcoe.
There are so many memorable moments and rewards of giving imprinted in her mind and heart, Sheri says she couldn’t begin to choose just one. For her, it’s a feeling, a smile or hug, or a deeply felt word of thanks and gratitude from someone to whom she’s extended a listening ear or helping hand. It’s knowing that you have made another person’s journey a little easier.
Even coming from pretty humble beginnings, Sheri says that her parents always demonstrated the importance of supporting others in need. Growing up, they lovingly reminded her and her sister, Teri, of the many less fortunate than their family. Naturally, Sheri and Teri encouraged and included their children in similar ways. One such time was helping their parents deliver meals to shut-ins through their church, St. Andrew’s in Sutton. St. Andrew’s always reminded Sheri of the little church that could, so it did. Their ministry is their weekly community meal, one of the first in their region, beginning in 2005. Sheri’s mother, Gayle Clarke, has been a tireless volunteer for as a long as Sheri can remember, a true unsung hero. Her late father as well, forever seeking ways to feed the hungry in body and soul.
Throughout Sheri’s thirty-five-year career, there’s always existed a passionate altruistic element. During the years 2007 to 2010, Sheri hosted the Women for Women 6 Figure Event, which was made possible with the help of many generous colleagues and local companies. The events raised funds and awareness for two charities each year; this included providing time in the program to educate and inspire their guests. This not only opened doors in and for our extended communities, Sheri says it blessed her with several very meaningful relationships in the years that followed, including with The Salvation Army York Housing and Support Services, the Canadian Mental Health Association York and Simcoe (CMHA), and Hospice Georgina.
Since then, each has become a part of the Hearts Linked by Courage book series published by Sheri’s company, I C Publishing. Hearts Linked by Courage is a poignant collection of real-life stories filled with challenge, triumph, and hope. The series supports the important work of social service and not-for-profit organizations, and the sale of every book gives back in countless ways to the organization, the story contributor, and the reader.