A man of few words but many accomplishments was honored by the Belleville Chamber of Commerce this (Wednesday evening).
The owner of the Belleville Canadian Tire store for the past 25 years Dennis McCullough received the Chamber’s Citizenship Award.
The award is presented each year to a member who gives of their time selflessly and supports various community causes.
Chamber CEO Jill Raycroft read out a long list of community organizations that Dennis and Sheila McCullough have supported over the years.
Among them, the Belleville Police Service by providing equipment and software, and Camp for Kids, a free summer camp for children with cancer.
The McCulloughs and their Belleville staff have also been the number one fundraiser out of 500 Canadian Tire stores in the country for the Jumpstart Program which financially supports disadvantaged families so their children can play organized sports or get involved in other physical activity.
Their store has also been recognized nationwide as being # 1 for customer service.
“For the McCulloughs it’s all about people” said Raycroft. “They treat their staff with respect, dignity and fairness. Sheila and Dennis have had good times and hard times in the business but acting with integrity and honesty has served them and the community well.”
The modest McCullough did say a few words at the event, held at Crate Marina. “We appreciate your thoughts and this award. This is a great place to live! Sheila and I love it! Thank you so much!”
Dennis McCullough, the youngest of 13 children, began his career with Canadian Tire in 1963 and took his first franchise in another community in 1979.
The Citizenship Award is one of four Cornerstone Awards given annually by the Chamber. The other three, the Visionary, Founder, and Lifetime Achievement awards were presented earlier this year.
The McCulloughs were unable to attend that evening so the Citizenship Award presentation was put off until this date.
