After seven years at the helm, Dawna Morey, Executive Director of The Lending Cupboard, has announced her decision to retire effective this October.

Morey, at 68 years old, decided several months ago the time was right to move ahead with this transition, and she is looking forward to fulfilling some personal dreams on her bucket list and having more time with her family. She has assured the board that she will be available to assist in the search for the next ED to help lead TLC forward.

“I think of how far we have come since I joined the organization in 2015, when we were open four-hours a day, loan forms were hand-written and we were in the old location which we had outgrown,” said Morey. “Fast-forward to today, with the increased hours, automated processes and much more space in a new facility. We have improved policies and procedures and most of all we have an exceptional staff team and volunteers that work collaboratively - always focused on our clients,” she added.

“We have raised the profile, developed new community partnerships and seen a steady increase in our fundraising efforts and donations. We sit in a financially sound position. It has been rewarding and a privilege to be a part of this amazing organization.”

Board Chair Amanda Blair said that Morey has shown tremendous leadership during her time at TLC. “I’d like to highlight how fortunate The Lending Cupboard has been to have someone like Dawna at the helm for the last seven years. She has been instrumental in helping to get us to where we are now,” she said, adding that Morey has also worked diligently to bolster the profile of TLC across the region.

“She’s been such an advocate for our organization and what we do – she’s really passionate about The Lending Cupboard and that all of our clients are treated with respect.”Blair credits Morey for helping to build a foundation on which the ongoing success and growth of TLC are assured. “Dawna has been someone that the board can really lean on,” she said. “She will be so greatly missed by everyone that she has worked with.”

Ultimately, Morey noted TLC is at an exciting crossroads, and is well-positioned to take on ambitious goals over the next three to five years.

“I have been humbled and honoured to have had the opportunity to lead this amazing organization and I will always be an ambassador for TLC.”