After years of service, Mel Boutilier has walked away from the food and furniture bank he founded 31 years ago.
Boutilier announced last week that he would be stepping down as executive director of the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank in Halifax.
“You can imagine that after 31 years, a lot of things have been collected,” said Boutilier Friday, as he sorted through paperwork and cleaned out his desk.
The 86-year-old said he is happy when thinking about all the people he has helped over the years, but is sad to leave them behind.
“That I won’t be seeing them, seeing these people face to face on a daily basis.”
Last week, Boutilier told CTV News that recent changes in administration have made it impossible for him to stay at Parker Street.
"I don't know if I'd call it pushed out, they probably thought they were doing what they needed to do, but the way they did it was a bad thing. I wanted to have a happy time to retire," he said last week.
Boutilier’s supporters stood outside Parker Street on Friday as he packed up his things. Some held signs expressing their disappointment in how the situation has been handled.
“He’s dedicated. He’s working here for nothing and he was always friendly and nice,” said neighbour Annie Levy.
“He was a real special man that deserved to be treated better.”
Those who rely on the food and furniture bank said Boutilier touched the lives of many people while volunteering at Parker Street.
“He never pushed you away. If he could help you, he would, and he’d go right to the highest to help you,” said food bank client Darlene Denomme.
“I think it’s very sad for the people around here because it’s not the way he wanted to go,” said former volunteer Joey Gray.
No one from the Parker Street Board or administration has spoken since Boutilier announced his resignation. The chair issued a statement on Friday, indicating a succession plan was initiated by the board and chairman two years ago.
“The process was open-ended to ensure the right team of individuals could follow and learn from Mel and follow in his footsteps,” said board member and volunteer Humphrey Longard in the statement.
“The board is deeply sorry Mel’s feelings have been hurt by recent events.”
Boutilier said he hasn’t heard much from Parker Street since announcing he would be leaving.
“Nothing, just avoided me more than anything,” he said.
But he said many people with whom he has worked and helped over the years made a point to stop by and say ‘thanks.’
While Boutilier is leaving Parker Street, he said he plans to continue volunteering in the Halifax area.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster
