Marion and George understood their customers at the canteen in the
Millbrook Arena, catering to the tastes of the hockey players and figure skaters at the counter. The couple demonstrated a deep affection for their customers, which was reciprocated.
George and Marion Corfe are fixtures in Millbrook.
George has lived within a ten mile radius for the vast majority of his 86 years, while Marion was born here and never left. Throughout their lives, this couple have made a lasting impact on the community in a variety of ways, and last month they continued this trend by making a significant donation to Millbrook Community Care.
The Corfes have been active in the Millbrook Lions’ Club, serving up hamburgers from the Lions’ food truck at the Millbrook Fair, local celebrations such as Canada Day and at Centennial Place. They are also members of the Volunteer Community Police organization, where they help manage crowds at downtown events like the Fall Festival. George has also been a member of the Volunteer Fire Fighters for more than 40 years. For the past ten years, George has been providing transportation to customers of Millbrook Community Care and has also volunteered with the Millbrook Legion.
Perhaps the couple is best known for their time operating the canteen in the Millbrook Arena. They ran it for more than a decade, interrupted for a few years when the responsibility was assumed by the township. George received a key to the facility so he could get set up and start the coffee before arena staff and customers arrived. Marion took great joy in serving the wide array of candies to their young customers, and prepared some individual candy bags for customers who found it difficult to make their own choices. Six slushie flavours were also available as well as chocolate milk for those seeking a more nutritional beverage. At the end of the season, this energetic couple donated the majority of the profits from this enterprise to local charitable organizations, including Millbrook Foodshare, Millbrook Community Care and the Millbrook Figure Skating and Minor Hockey Association, so while this may have looked like a business, it was really just another way the couple devised to give back to the community.
In 2014, the couple’s volunteer efforts were recognized when they were awarded the Peterborough County Volunteer of the Year award.
Tragedy struck the couple when their son drowned on the date of their anniversary at the age of 39. Community support was instant and heartfelt, as George is pleased to note that the guest book for his son’s funeral contained 525 signatures. The couple also has a daughter Crystal who lives in Peterborough with her husband and three children.
In February, Marion suffered a calamitous health crisis that landed her at PRHC where she remains today. Brain cancer has stolen many of her abilities, but she is still able to talk and she likes to tell George what todo. It’s fair to say he is listening.
For years she has been encouraging George to make a significant donation to Millbrook Community Care. Last month he heeded that call by handing Millbrook Community Care’s Karen Morton a donation in the amount of $20,000, with the stipulation that the funds be used in Millbrook. This donation makes a significant dint in their annual fundraising target of roughly $70,000 they require each year to supplement the organization’s provincial funding.
In his career, George spent 25 years working at the Correctional Facility in Millbrook, and for several years the couple operated a pool hall in Millbrook in the space currently occupied by Blank Canvas. George continues to work, mowing the lawn for ten local customers but these days is spending much of his time visiting his wife at PRHC .Perhaps now she will cut him some slack and ask for something easier for him to deliver-like taking it easy mowing grass in the heat. Whatever her request, it’s certain he will come through for her. This is a couple who knows how to deliver.