January 10, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community hub serves individuals and families across HRM
Doug Townsend, co-owner of The Canteen on Portland, and a well-known champion of food security, today announced four new additions to The North Grove’s Board of Directors.
The North Grove’s community hub has served families and individuals experiencing poverty for more than 25 years. Over the course of the pandemic, it provided online and in-person parenting and child development programs and more than 53,000 take-home meals.
Townsend took over as Chair of the Board in September.
“Long before The Canteen opened, Doug and Renee were supporting The North Grove’s food programs,” says past Board Chair Cathy Chenhall. “They are true community champions and we are thrilled to have Doug leading our Board.”
The North Grove is welcoming four new members to its Board:
Shaune MacKinlay, Chief of Staff to the Mayor. Shaune has worked in the Mayor’s office for more than nine years and is one of our city’s most respected communicators. She has an extensive background in communications with the City, the Halifax Regional School Board., and as a journalist for 13 years.
Susan Mullin, CEO of the QEII Foundation. Susan's philanthropic leadership spans three decades. She played key roles at some of Canada’s highest profile organizations, including York University and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, before assuming the leadership at the QEII Foundation, which supports the largest adult health sciences centre in Atlantic Canada.
Nevell Provo, Founder/CEO of Smooth Meal Prep and RnB Kitchen. Building community, inspiring youth, and being a positive role model are life callings that Nevell has answered. The North Preston native takes great pride in where he’s from and strives to make his community and others a better place. The entrepreneur has taken a unique twist on business, founding R&B Kitchen and Smooth Meal Prep, two food businesses focused on community impact.
Jacqueline Ruck, Lawyer. Jacqueline practices corporate law in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Her passion for social justice and racial equity have guided her career. She has served as a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Equity Standing Committee for Nova Scotia and mentored young law students through the Dalhousie Feminist Legal Association’s mentorship program. She has served as a board member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
“The North Grove owes so much to partners like The Canteen, the City of Halifax, and local law firms. They have been by our side for so many years. And we are equally excited to welcome new collaborators like Susan and Nevell who are leaders in their field and have so much experience and expertise to share with The North Grove community,” says Wendy Fraser, Executive Director.
About The North Grove The North Grove is a dynamic community hub, located in the heart of Dartmouth North, that offers programs and services for people to learn and connect through family support, food, and friendship. Learn more at www.thenorthgrove.ca. ### Media Contact Ellen Riopelle Communications Specialist 902-464-8234 ext. 1003 eriopelle@thenorthgrove.ca