Volunteer Tributes for Gwen Johnston and John Benning

The Toronto Community Centenary Hub recently celebrated the life and dedication of two community stalwarts, Gwen Johnston and John Benning.

Gwen Johnston was a tireless community spirited person. Words that come to mind when we think of Gwen are intelligent, determined, independent and community minded.

She was a single parent to six children and somehow managed to retrain as an accountant and still have time to work as a volunteer. Gwen started volunteer work over 40 years ago with the Toronto Pensioners & Citizen Association that was based in Carey Street, Toronto.

When the organisation was moved, Gwen with a dedicated group of members, liaised with the council for over ten years to establish a new Seniors Centre at 97 The Boulevarde, Toronto. After many setbacks this was accomplished in 1997 and the hall was finished in 2000.

The hall is still a fantastic asset to the community and still being used by local seniors. We are reinstating the gardens with volunteer help and dedicating the front garden as “Gwen’s Garden” as without her vision we would not have such a great place to be in.

John Benning was the perfect neighbour for The Hub. He became ‘The grounds keeper’ maintaining immaculate lawns (just like his) and ‘The Gatekeeper’ with his cheerful, friendly manner greeting many enquiring visitors and tradespeople.

John was frequently in his garden or shed and often ready for a chat, making many friends and lending to the “home away from home” feel of the place. He would know who was coming or going, when and why, keep the custodians in the loop and be counted on to open or close the hall or supply keys when needed.

John continued to be our gatekeeper right up until he was hospitalized in early February 2021. We have lost a valuable member of our team but even more so, a wonderful friend.

We will dedicate the Banksia tree as ‘John’s tree’ in his honour as the garden grows better there with the tree overlooking it just as John looked over our garden.