Stores and Store Chairs Committee

Committee Members:
Sue Mazziotti-Armitage ONRC Chair
Steve Dew – Committee Member
Julie Clements – Store Manager
Frank Drumm – Food Bank Chair
Justin Smith – Store Manager
Mike Warren – Store Chair

Mandate: The Committee is responsible for:
Retail SSVP Stores in Ontario are often the first contact with our neighbours in need and represent the face of the Society to the public. As such our stores must work in the best interest of the Society’ mission. The Committee works to ensure store managers, staff, committees and Particular/Central Councils understand the mission of the Society is to serve our neighbours in need with respect, love, justice, and joy. The ONRC Stores Committee will support and share best practices for Council and Conference Store Committees, SSVP Ontario-based Store Managers and store retail operations. with all, Stores Committees and Particular/Central Councils. Where appropriate and possible the Stores Committee will help to develop, monitor, and set standards for the implementation of business plans for the retail operations of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Stores in Ontario.

Activity during 2025: The Stores committee met regularly by electronic means and completed the following activities for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Meetings are planned virtually and typically held on a monthly basis leading up to in-person gatherings. To date, we’ve met in person three times, all following the virtual sessions.

• In April 2025, we held a joint meeting with Managers and Store Chairs in Sarnia.
• In September 2025, we conducted separate meetings with Managers and Store Chairs in Strathroy.
• In November 2025, we repeated this format in Hamilton.

These meetings—and the follow-ups that followed—have provided valuable insight into the needs and priorities of both Managers and Store Chairs, helping shape our support and strategy moving forward.

Focus of activity for 2026:
We are committed to continuing in-person meetings for both Managers and Store Chairs, with a priority on reaching two regions that haven’t hosted a gathering in recent years. Reconnecting face-to-face is essential to building trust, understanding local needs, and strengthening our network.
We are also moving forward with plans to create dedicated platforms—separate and confidential—where Managers and Store Chairs can ask questions, seek guidance, and support one another in their unique roles. These safe spaces will empower them to share openly, grow in confidence, and feel truly supported.
A key goal is to help both groups understand and utilize our Tribunal Program as a resource for early resolution—reducing stress, preventing misunderstandings, and helping avoid conflict or legal challenges. By investing in support and communication now, we are protecting our people and our mission for the future. Would like this committee to have a workshop ready for an ONRC meeting.

Sue Mazziotti-Armitage Chair
Stores Committee of SSVP Ontario Regional Council
Guido Kelly Board’s Liaison to this Committee

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