Exactly one year ago, the Grace Cafe celebrated its eighth anniversary with a full house of guests.
That’s what founder and CEO Ginny Trepanier calls those who drop in for food, clothing, comfort and company.
And this past Saturday, on the ninth anniversary, she had this announcement.
It was a bittersweet moment for Trepanier.
When she opened the original Grace Cafe all those years ago on Queen Street her initial plan was simplicity in itself.
Plug in a coffee maker and supply some conversation to those who need it.
This past Saturday she reflected on the years since that humble beginning.
At the end of the year, Ginny will step away from Grace Cafe and husband Don Trepannier will do the same next door at The Annex.
She will hand over the reins to Lori Graves, who has assisted Ginny since September.
Graves assured the guests at Grace Cafe nothing will change.
She added she is very much on the same page as Ginny.
A little known fact about Grace Cafe, recalled Ginny, is they had a real soft spot for pets.
Ginny went on to explain the situation with The Annex adjacent to the Grace Cafe.
The Annex is an addictions resource centre affiliated with the Grace Cafe and the director has been Ginny’s husband Don Trepanier, who will also step down at the end of the year.
Ginny will continue to sit on the board of directors in the new year.
