Wilf and Susan Rogers have fulfilled their last duties at the Stoney Creek Community Food Bank.

The husband and wife have retired from their roles after helping local families in need and running the food bank together for nearly 20 years.

They have stepped down because of health issues, but have left the non-profit charity in the capable hands of Ben Winter and other volunteers.

“It’s been an honour to have served this community for so long,” Wilf says. “It’s sad to have to walk away, but we have people who are dedicated to ensuring that our community is well taken care of.”

“It’s been such a privilege,” Susan said. “I feel worse about leaving the food bank than I did when I left work, but we both feel like it’s time.”

Wilf, who acted as chair and handled all of the food inventory, purchasing, pickups and cleanup, became involved in the food bank in 1994.

He had retired from the Hamilton Police Service after being an officer for 37 years and was looking for another way to serve the public.

Susan, who was secretary and treasurer and managed the books, client registration and the volunteers, became involved with the food bank in 1999.

She had retired early from the Hamilton Teachers' Credit Union after working in different financial capacities for 29 years.

Susan helped out at the food bank on occasion when she and Wilf were dating, but became more involved after they got married in 1999.

She became secretary and treasurer in 2004.

Wilf, Susan and their volunteers went on to help many families over the years, averaging about 500 to 600 individuals a month.

But it wasn’t always easy.

The food bank was forced to move from its original location in the old fire hall at 13 Lake Ave. S. in 2011.

It had called the fire hall – situated in the downtown core – home for 19 years.

The building, which was owned by the City of Hamilton, was demolished.

The food bank opened in its current location in the former Creek Community Church at 605 Hwy. 8 in October 2011.

The building, which also houses other charitable organizations, was purchased by the city in 2010.

Wilf said the food bank’s move was a big challenge, but it had to happen.

“We were in trouble because they were closing the fire hall; the city gave us this building and it was a Godsend,” he said. “Without the city’s help, we wouldn’t be in existence.”

Wilf and Susan were recognized for their service over the years.

The couple was named the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Citizens of the Year in 2016.

When asked how they felt about all that they’ve done for others, Wilf and Susan were lost for words, even getting a little emotional.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do anything without all of our amazing volunteers and, of course, the community with all that they’ve donated over the years,” she said. “We’re hopeful that Ben and the crew will receive the same support from the community that we were fortunate enough to have.”

Liz Stewart, Lynda Campbell and Ann Ghorbani, who have all been volunteers for about three years, said Wilf and Susan are the heart of the food bank.

“It’s hard to see them go; we love them,” Stewart said.

“People just drop in to say hi to them – that’s the kind of people they are,” Campbell added.

“We’re a family,” Ghorbani said. “Wilf and Susan have certainly put in their time. They’ve taught us well and now we can carry on in their honour.”

Wilf said Susan agreed what they’ll miss most is the people.

“We’ve had the honour of meeting a lot of different people,” Wilf said. “I know I’ll never forget them.”

“I’m really going to miss the clients that I’ve come to know over the years,” Susan said. “I’m also really going to miss our team. There was such a feeling of togetherness, we worked so well together, and it was all for the greater good…you can’t get any better than that.”