Staff members at the TD Canada Trust Bank in Preeceville said a farewell to their long time customers as they shut the door for the last time on September 28.
The Preeceville branch was built in 1911, the same year that the town site for Preeceville was surveyed. The small office was built where the former Fine Foods Store once stood, stated the Lines of the Past Preeceville history book.
The original premises were replaced by a new building in 1913 where the present bank stood. In 1932, the office was destroyed by fire. The present building was then built and since then has had many renovations.
"September 26 was the final farewell for the customers and former staff with coffee and donuts all day," said Heather Gawrelitza, staff member.
Gawrelitza spoke on behalf of the staff and thanked everyone for coming, saying “nobody is happy about the closure of our Preeceville TD Branch.
"This was a great place to work and we are all going to miss it terribly. As sad as it is we felt that we needed to celebrate the 107 years that TD had in Preeceville and as you can see by the photos on the wall it employed a lot of people over the years. We asked some former staff to join us as we say goodbye and thanks from the bottom of our hearts," she said.
Dianne Kudeba. Manager, was surprised by the party which was also her retirement party. Former staff members who worked with her during her career helped her celebrate.
Kudeba said she wanted a couple of more years but due to the closure she will be officially retiring after 43 years with the bank. Current staff each made a presentation to her as they wished her well and thanked her for always being there for them.
Present staff at the farewell were: Heather Gawrelitza (11 years), Dianne Kudeba, manager (43 years), Edna Soren (seven years), Joanne Craig (12 years) and Ashley Carnegie (four years)
