Every week, Mike Albano and a team of volunteers quietly ensure that nobody in Acton goes without.
Aside from being a town councillor, the local resident may be best known in his role as the chair of Acton Foodshare, helping put meals on the table for families in need.
When he’s not at the food bank, he can also be found giving his time to other local organizations and events, ensuring the community he’s called home for 60 years remains a vibrant place.
So it only makes sense that Albano has been selected as the 2024 Citizen of the Year - a special recognition by the Rotary Club of Acton.
“It was a total surprise. I was completely blown away,” he said. “It’s a great honour.”
A dinner was held for Albano at the Acton Town Hall Centre last night (Oct. 8), with friends, family and political colleagues turning out in full force to celebrate all of his accomplishments.
The active volunteer has certainly left his mark on Acton since arriving with his parents six decades ago.
Growing up, he attended M.Z. Bennett Elementary School and Acton High School, then studied media arts at Sheridan College.
During his younger years, he held a variety of jobs around town, including at John’s Texaco, where he met his wife Nancy.
As Albano went on to have a lengthy career with the Upper Grand District School Board - where he worked his way up to being the manager of information technology - he began volunteering with the local Lions Club and served as a baseball coach when his two children were little.
Upon retirement in 2015 after 37 years with the board, he became more involved in the community, giving his time to support the Acton BIA, the local Terry Fox Run and Acton Community Garden.
He also volunteers each year with the Knights of Columbus at the Acton Fall Fair, and is busy every week in his position at the helm of the Acton Foodshare.
“I find it rewarding that we’re able to feed families,” he said. “And the community is amazing, providing us with financial support and food donations.”
Albano is serving his third term on Halton Hills Council and said he enjoys helping people as a local politician as well.
But at the end of the day, like the Citizens of the Year who came before him, Albano doesn’t want the attention or praise.
It’s not about me, it’s about the community,” he said. “There are so many other people who work behind the scenes quietly, day after day, because they want to help.”
Albano was selected for the Rotary Club of Acton’s recognition by a committee consisting of three former Citizens of the Year.
"He is such a great asset and so very humble,” one nominator wrote. “Never takes the credit for himself - he is the first to give the credit to other volunteers for a job well done."
