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Honorary Advisors
Gary and Brenda Leis
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Gary and Brenda Leis have lived in Wellesley Township since 1986, when they moved to the village of Wellesley with their 3 children. ​For Gary it was a bit of a home coming as he spent his first 19 years in Wellesley. Gary began working at his father’s business, Leis Feed & Supply Ltd., where he continues to be involved as the Vice-President and Senior Advisor of Leis Pet Distributing Inc. Brenda received her Registered Nursing diploma from Conestoga College, her Bachelor of Nursing Science from Ryerson University, and worked in Pediatric and Emergency medicine as well as a management position in Surgical Services, before retiring.
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Gary and Brenda have always been active in the community. Gary is a member of the Wellesley Lion's Club, and was involved with Pond View Seniors development. Brenda was instrumental in bringing the​ Community Health Centre to Wellesley Township in 2005. Both have been involved in Wellesley Township minor sports.
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Why they are excited to support the Something for Everyone Capital Campaign:
“We’re excited about the new recreational centre from a health promotion perspective for all age groups, and as a physical space to build community within the township.”
Paul and Jo-Anne Straus
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Paul and Jo-Anne Straus have lived on their farm near St. Clements for 45 years. Paul was employed at Home Hardware Stores Ltd. as CEO from 1989 to 2014, retiring as President in 2018. Jo-Anne graduated with a Recreation Leadership diploma from Conestoga College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (major Sociology) from Wilfrid Laurier University, following which she had many placements including working in senior day programs with the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo.
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Both Paul and Jo-Anne are active community members and have been involved in St. Clements minor hockey, the St. Clements Community Centre Board, as well as community seniors’ programs. They have two married sons and five grandchildren who they look forward to watching play hockey in the new recreation centre.
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Why they are excited to support the Something for Everyone Capital Campaign:
“The Wellesley Township Recreation Centre will provide social and recreational opportunities for everyone. Our community is growing and deserves an up-to-date facility.”
Jeff and Julie Jones
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Jeff and Julie Jones are life-long residents of Linwood, and are the owners of Jones Feed Mills Ltd. Community involvement was ingrained in them at an early age by their parents, George and Jean Jones and Ed and Vera Friedmann. Their parents were involved in community events such as Linwood SnoFest, as well as fundraising for Linwood’s original community centre and ballpark.
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Following in his father’s philanthropic footsteps, Jeff joined the Linwood Lion’s Club and took a lead role in fundraising for the new Linwood Community Centre. He is also involved in the Lions’ current walking trail and memorial forest projects.
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Jeff and Julie have three daughters who were all members of the Twin Centre Hericanes Girls Hockey Association.
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Why they are excited to support the Something for Everyone Capital Campaign:
“The new recreation centre with all of its amenities is well suited to be used by everyone in the township year round. Not only will it bring the township together, it will help keep our younger generations here. Our daughter Carli recently moved back to the area, and the new rec centre played a role in that decision.”