Robert Fines named Caledon’s Senior of the Year

June 30, 2022 · 0 Comments

Fines was nominated for the award by Caledon Meals on Wheels’ Executive Director

By Zachary Roman

Robert Fines has been named Caledon’s Senior of the Year for his years of generosity to the Caledon community.

On June 28, a ceremony was held at Caledon’s Town Hall in Caledon East for Fines.

Mayor Allan Thompson gave a speech thanking Fines, then presented him with the Senior of the Year award alongside members of Caledon Council.

Thompson also shared words from Caledon Meals on Wheels executive director Christine Sevigny, who nominated Fines for the award but was unable to attend the ceremony due to an important family commitment.

“Bob Fines is a long-time corporate community supporter of Caledon Meals on Wheels, as well as many other charitable and non-profit organizations. His generous support always seems to come just at the right time,” said Thompson on behalf of Sevigny. “As the executive director, it was an honour to nominate Bob Fines for the award. On behalf of Caledon Meals on Wheels, our staff, dedicated volunteers, and grateful clients, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Bob Fines for all he has done to help us continue to deliver nutritious food, and health and wellbeing services, to the community.”

Thompson said for as long as he can remember, Fines has been contributing to the Caledon community. “He’s one of those quiet, generous business owners,” said Thompson. Fines has supported many local charities and non-profits, including Caledon Community Services, the Peel 4-H Association, Bethell Hospice, Caledon Parent-Child Centre, Bolton Santa Claus Parade, and the D.A.R.E. For the Kids Town of Caledon program in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police.

“I congratulate Bob on this accomplishment and thank him for being a leader and active community member in Caledon,” said Thompson. “His long-term service has benefited our community in many ways and he is an inspiration for others to volunteer and give back to their community.”

Fines, who is the dealer principal at Fines Ford Lincoln in Bolton, also gave a speech at the ceremony and said he wanted to say thanks to everyone who made it possible for him to do what he does.

“When I had the opportunity to open the business, I had big support from my wife. Janet told me right from the beginning: we could do it and we would make it successful,” said Fines.

He explained his daughter Katie and son-in-law Carlos now work with him, something that’s extremely gratifying.

“It’s wonderful for me to have that,” said Fines. He also thanked all the other employees at his business over the years, calling them fantastic. Finally, he thanked the Caledon community.

A book of Cory Trépanier artwork was given to Fines as a gift from the Town of Caledon at the ceremony. Trépanier, a renowned artist and explorer, passed away in 2021.

Fines said he has a piece of Trépanier’s art in his office and that he had the pleasure of knowing him — as such, the book of art was a meaningful gift.

After the ceremony, Fines told the Citizen it was an honour and humbling to receive the senior of the year award.

“It’s a real pleasure to show my family off,” said Fines. “Without family, without employees, without the community, we wouldn’t have been able to contribute what we do… we’re very fortunate, Caledon is the loveliest place.”