By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
The Briars Resort once again played host to an evening of gratitude and celebration. This year’s Portraits of Giving honourees were Vincenza (“Vee”) and Alan Palenchuk.
The husband-and-wife team, known to locals as “the Charity Bread people, “are the owners of the Corner House Bistro in Keswick.
Their story is as heartwarming as their food. Alan, a chef from Saskatoon met Vee, a visionary with Italian roots and a deep respect for food and community, while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. What began as a chance meeting turned into a partnership in life, food, and service. Not long after, the couple settled in Sutton and launched their dream restaurant in Keswick in 2016.
From the start, giving back has been at the heart of their work. For the past nine years, they’ve supported a range of local causes—from school breakfast programs and the community fridge to Sandgate Women’s Shelter and the Georgina Food Bank.
During the height of the pandemic, even as their business struggled, they continued donating meals every weekend to Sandgate.
“We found out they were overwhelmed,” say the Palenchuks. “They had to house women and kids in hotels because shelters were full. We were glad to help however we could.”
“When you grow up in an Italian family, food is how you bring people together,” Vincenza says. “Sometimes we cooked for 30 people! Food brings people together, in good times and bad times.”
She adds, “This isn’t about a recognition for us. It’s about making sure the community knows what we’re trying to do—and hopefully supporting it too. The community stood behind us when we started, and now we want to give back.”
Regional Councillor Naomi Davison commended the Palenchuks for providing not only high-quality food to those in need, but also for quietly supporting families they knew were struggling—especially during the pandemic
MP Jacob Mantle also attended the ceremony. “It’s wonderful to be here and honour such community-minded individuals. And yes, I’ve visited the restaurant—lovely place!”
Karen Merk, founder of the Portraits of Giving initiative, which celebrates changemakers across York Region, adds, “What started small has now expanded to reach over half a million people annually—both in person and online. I am here to share these stories and hope they inspire others.”
The evening closed with a performance by singer Vanessa Wang, herself a past honouree, whose original song You Are the Light was inspired by the individuals recognized.
Giving takes many forms—from meals served to strangers, to quiet acts of support, to stories shared through words and images. And thanks to Portraits of Giving, those stories continue to shine.
To read more about Vincenza and Alan Palenchuk and about previous honorees, visit: https://www.merkphotography.com/post/vincenza-vee-alan-palenchuk
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