Two long-time REAL members were recognized at our June 2026 Annual General Meeting for their exemplary volunteer contributions.  Honorary REAL memberships acknowledge a member’s long-term commitment to REAL. This brings to 12 the number of people REAL considers influential in the development of REAL, and in many cases, continue to be an integral part of our organization.  Congratulations to Marje Fletcher and Diane Pearen, pictured here with Board Members Barb Hicks and Karen Schecter.

Marje Fletcher

Marje Fletcher.  Marje Fletcher was one of REAL’s original members when the organization began in 1989.  She served as board secretary and was involved in many of the early projects, such as the monthly recycling  depot and Environment on Display.  As an artist she designed REAL’s first promotional brochure, and various event posters, and continues to help assess some of the more valuable art donated to the REAL Deal.  It was Marje’s suggestion to create a monarch butterfly garden to celebrate REAL’s 30^th anniversary in 2019.  Its success led to two expansions of the garden.  Marje also helped plan the gardens that were established at Town Square as part of the 21021 Depave project.  She and others continue to meet most weeks through the gardening season to maintain the downtown and REAL Deal pollinator gardens.  The sign in the monarch garden was her work, and the store’s roadside sign was a collaboration of her and her husband Bruce.  As with most busy volunteers, her contributions have not ended there.  She is always willing to lend a hand when needed.

Diane Pearen

Diane Pearen.  Diane Pearen’s association with REAL began when through her work with Lanark County Social Services she was placing Ontario Works clients requiring work experience at the REAL Deal Store, probably about 2006.  These placements were essential to store operations before the store was able to have paid staff.  Now retired, she continues to support the REAL Deal through the Health and Safety committee, interviewing new volunteers, contributing food for many occasions, and being a listening ear when needed.  She is part of the REAL Deal Committee that oversees REAL operations, and participates in many ways, one of which is filling in for the store manger when necessary.  Outside of the REAL Deal, Diane has participated in various fundraisers, the monarch garden, the Christmas dinners and more.  Diane is always eager to put her hand up and volunteer whenever things need to be done, even in difficult situations,  and is always a positive and optimistic voice.