2025 CARES Award

We are deeply grateful to share that CHANGE received the 2025 Woolwich CARES Award (Community Award in Recognition of Environmental Stewardship) from TWEEC (The Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee) last night during Woolwich Region council session. 

As all entrepreneurs know, running a small family-owned business is not for the faint of heart, and for us celebrating our own successes is not something that feels comfortable. But, this is a moment that we want to share because it's our local community that has recognized us - and that means a LOT.

Our goal from the beginning was to create a space that is inclusive, respectful of people and nature, and hopefully have an impact in sharing our belief that small steps can make real and lasting change.

Not only is the award beautiful but it is also hand-crafted by local artisans! The glass hand was beautifully created by Laurie Spieker of Grand River Glassworks and the wood backing made by local resident, Matt Cowan. 

The symbolism of this physical award is the wood it is laid upon. This wood is European Buckthorn, an invasive specifies of tree that negatively alters the acidity of the ground it grows in and grows fruit that local birds cannot digest. So, repurposing it in this way is the best! 

It is truly a community-earned award - thank you! 🫶