Former college roommates team up to help

KINGSVILLE — Lynda Mathies and Ashley Tuffin were once roommates at Fanshawe College.

Tuffin is now a regional sales director for Chartwell Retirement Residence, and Mathies the Director of Supply Chain for Red Sun Farms.

The two recently had a conversation and came up with a fresh idea to thank and protect those caring for our seniors during the pandemic at seven area seniors’ homes.

Kingsville greenhouse Red Sun Farms is donating flats of fresh produce to the employees of Chartwell Oak Park Lasalle, Chartwell Oak Park Terrace, Chartwell Royal Marquis, Chartwell St Clair Beach, Chartwell Leamington, Chartwell Kingsville and Chartwell Royal Oak Long Term Care Residences.

A van loaded up with produce form Red Sun Farms.

submitted photo

The two friends, both Essex County-born and raised, brainstormed how the community-minded agricultural company could support the dedicated staff at the Chartwell residences. The goal was to give staff more time to relax in their offhours and to reduce their need for trips to the grocery store.

“We hope that this small token of our appreciation helps make life a little easier for the staff and provides them with the nutritious veggies to keep them strong and healthy,” says Red Sun Farms spokesperson Leona Neill. “We wish Chartwell good health and safety during these difficult times and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their kindness and care for our loved ones.”

Every other Friday, Tuffin picks up almost more produce than her vehicle can hold.

“Red Sun keeps calling me back to get more,” she says. “I pull up to the warehouse which is locked as they have many safety policies in place just like us and employees in PPE fill my jeep until it is stuffed every two weeks. They always ask me for updates on our residences and give me well wishes for the teams. Very kind people.”

Ashley Tuffin, left and Lynda Mathies in college days.