Mayor Ron Gervais, right, presented the Mayor’s Award to Lou and Lisa Hammill, owners of Giant Tiger,
for their behind-the-scenes involvement in many causes in Pembroke and area.

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Pembroke – The well-known owners of Giant Tiger have been recognized for their contributions to the community with a special award from Mayor Ron Gervais.

During the operations committee meeting of April 15, Mayor Gervais announced Lou and Lisa Hammill had been selected as the very worthy recipients of the Mayor’s Award for 2024.

“The City of Pembroke has many caring, dedicated and faithful individuals who contribute, each in their own way, to the fabric of what is the beautiful City of Pembroke,” he said. “And tonight, I wish to acknowledge a duo, a duo that I would describe as stealthy. And you’ll understand why I say that in a moment.”

He shared how he had received a phone call just after the municipal election back in 2010 from Mr. Hammill, who introduced himself and said he and his wife would like to talk to him about various issues.

“We met and had a great conversation about Pembroke,” he recalled. “We talked about business, the needs of the business community, primarily talking about the businesses in the downtown, where, obviously, Giant Tiger is situated.

“And I quickly realized that if I wanted input about the business community, no matter where it was in the City of Pembroke, I just had to call either Lou or Lisa and I would find out what I needed to know at that time.”

He said the Hammills have been very good to speak to him on any issues, whether it’s the dynamics of the downtown or suggestions on other things that could improve the city.

“Not only the downtown, but the entire City of Pembroke,” he stated. “And they’re extremely proud of the city.

“And I know from my various dealings with the community over a large number of different projects over the years that Lou and Lisa have been a big help and have a big heart helping various individuals and organizations, largely behind the scenes,” he added. “And hence, that’s why I say stealthy.”

Mayor Gervais said he assumed it must be hard at times to continue to try doing great works, yet remain behind the scenes.

“Eventually, it gets out that you’re one of those individuals, or group of individuals, that are constantly doing things for the benefit of the City of Pembroke, and that is the two of you. I truly respect the various things that you have done over the years, and obviously a great effort has been extended to remain anonymous.

“But as I say, through various projects and various things that have happened with the City of Pembroke over the last number of years, particularly in the last two to three years, with the challenges that the city has faced, there is an ongoing presence behind the scenes,” he added.

“And you might not know unless you are in the thick of it, as we are as council members, or individuals that are front line trying to address the various concerns that the community has.”

Mayor Gervais said the Hammills’ many contributions do not go unnoticed, adding he was not going into any real detail as to what their contributions consisted of.

“But to do it from behind the scenes, and I know it from different items that have come forward, that your hands have been in various items making sure that the City of Pembroke, be the beautiful City of Pembroke, and that all individuals are recognized, and all individuals, no matter who they are, are respected and get the care that they need.

“Lou and Lisa, together, you exemplify what it means to be leaders and volunteers,” he added. “You exhibit all that is good of a citizen of our beautiful City of Pembroke, and for that, as mayor I feel it is important to recognize you this evening.”

He thanked the Hammills for all they have done, noting despite their efforts to remain behind the scenes, he and others recognize what they do on behalf of everyone.

“And for that, on behalf of the city, I am eternally grateful,” he stated, calling on the Hammills to accept the award.

Pembroke Felt Like Home

Mr. Hammill said the family moved to Pembroke in 2008 when they purchased the Giant Tiger business from Russ and Susan Kerr.

“They were just wonderful people to transfer the ownership of store number three here in Pembroke,” he remarked.

He noted a lot of things they have done would not have been possible without the help of the city, as well as the county.

“We feel like we’re at home, and we felt like that just from the time we got here. What a wonderful community and just all the neat things that happen here.

“Just the simple fact that there’s caring people here who want to see the best that Pembroke can be,” he added. “We’re very happy to be here, we will probably, most likely, retire here, and we’ll fill our days when we retire with lots of other stuff that will take us to new journeys.”

He credited his wife for being a huge influence in what he is able to do.

“I couldn’t do it without my wife and I can’t say enough about what Lisa does behind the scenes. People have no idea what she has done for the store and the community.

“Thank you very much for this, and this will be well displayed in our store,” he said.