Lori McRitchie’s Legacy of Leadership and Impact on the Airdrie Food Bank
Lori McRitchie, the Executive Director of the Airdrie Food Bank, has been an integral part of the Airdrie community since 1981, working in various roles, including her leadership of the R.J. Hawkey Breakfast Program since 1998.
Lori’s dedication to service, leadership, and community building has shaped the food bank into a vital resource for families in need. Her exemplary work has earned her numerous accolades, including the
National Excellence in Food Banking Award in 2017, the Amazing Airdrie Women 2012 Leadership Award, the Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the title of Airdrie’s Citizen of the Year in 2013. Most recently, Lori was named Citizen of the Year again in 2024, recognizing her continued impact and service to the community. She was also honoured as a Food Bank Hero at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Olympic swimmer Penny Oleksiak in a campaign to raise funds for food banks across Canada.
As Executive Director, Lori has navigated numerous challenges, from operating in a small trailer to the complexities of building a brand-new,
purpose-built food bank to better serve the community. During the pandemic, the food bank had to swiftly adapt its services to meet a surge in demand.
Despite these hurdles, Lori’s most significant achievement has been uniting the Airdrie community to support the creation of a larger, more efficient food bank, which has allowed the organization to expand its reach while maintaining its community-centred mission. Lori’s leadership and steadfast commitment to "neighbors helping neighbors" have left an enduring legacy. After nearly two decades of exceptional service, Lori will retire in September 2025, leaving behind a food bank that is stronger, more efficient, and more connected than ever.
A message from the Board of Directors
My name is Alexa Young
As Board President of the Airdrie Food Bank, on behalf of the current Board and all past Boards, it is my distinct honor to extend our deepest gratitude to Lori for her nearly 20 years of dedicated leadership. Since the inception of the Food Bank, Lori has been its guiding force, leading it through every stage of growth and solidifying its place as an essential institution within our community. Her vision in not only upholding but developing and nurturing the mission that has guided our efforts is unmatched. Her unwavering commitment to those in need has left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Lori has not only shaped the identity of the Food Bank but has also become a beacon of hope for our entire city. Twice named Citizen of the Year, she has been a beloved figure who exemplifies what it means to serve with compassion, vision, and resilience. Under her leadership, the Food Bank has grown stronger, more capable, and better equipped to meet the needs of our community, regardless of the challenges it has faced.
While Lori has made the well-earned decision to retire, we are fortunate to have her stay with us for the next year, helping to shepherd the organization through this important transition. She leaves the Food Bank in a strong and stable position, with a dedicated and well-structured team ready to carry forward her legacy and continue the vital work she started. Thanks to her leadership, the Food Bank is well-prepared to thrive long into the future.
On behalf of all the Boards and an entire community, thank you, Lori, for your remarkable service. You have left an extraordinary impact that will never be forgotten.
Paul Brophy
Board President
Airdrie Food Bank
A message from
Lori McRitchie
My name is Alexa Young
Dear Airdrie Community Members,
I am writing this letter to let you know that I have made the decision and set the date for my retirement from my role as Executive Director at the Airdrie Food Bank. I have given the timing of my retirement much thought and in the planning of this announcement I have considered what would work best for the food bank and for myself. My last day of work will be September 30, 2025.
Please know that I will continue to work through the next months, doing what is best for the food bank.
Working with you, clients, staff, local businesses, partner agencies, service clubs, individuals, families, school communities, volunteers and fellow food banks has been a blessing. It truly has been a gift to have had the privilege of working side by side being “Neighbours Helping Neighbours”
I will continue to work at the food bank for the next months to ensure the transition happens in the best way possible. I hope that I can connect with you personally in the coming months to express my sincere gratitude for your support over the years.
I thank you for your belief in the work of the food bank, your support, and your vision for a community where no one goes hungry.
Lori McRitchie
Executive Director
Airdrie Food Bank