After a valiant fight against cancer, Wendi Campbell eventually lost her courageous battle with the disease at the age of 53. The first time Campbell experienced symptoms was in 2022, when she was experiencing unusual physical twitches. These twitches prompted her to seek medical advice, where an examination revealed a tumour the size of a golf ball. The tumour was promptly removed through surgical means; however, Campbell was unable to return to work at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region after her surgery had been completed.
With her passion and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the community and the battle against food insecurity, Campbell made her mark not just through her leadership as CEO but also through her leadership ability.
Not only did the Food Bank of Waterloo Region develop in terms of its reach and impact when she was in charge of the organisation, but its reach farther extended than before. Over the course of fifteen years, while Campbell was keeping a constant eye on her, she became a well-known symbol of transformation and optimism in the Waterloo Region.
Following the dissemination of the news of Wendi Campbell’s passing throughout the Waterloo Region and beyond, numerous individuals resorted to various social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, to convey their sorrow and pay respect to her life and leadership.
In their heartfelt tributes, notable figures such as Kitchener councillor Dave Schnider, Regional chair Karen Redman, and Waterloo Member of Provincial Parliament Catherine Fife acknowledged Wendi as both an inspiring leader and a remarkable citizen.
These individuals represented all those who were affected by her passing and mourn her passing, not only as leaders but also as advocates for social justice and community welfare causes. Not only as an abstract leader, but also as a hands-on activist who persistently worked to guarantee that those in need had access to food and support, Campbell made a contribution to her community that was both incalculable and far-reaching.
She had a holistic approach to community service, which meant that she addressed both current needs and the development of long-term solutions to the problem of food insecurity. Campbell will continue to be remembered for her unwavering support for disadvantaged populations and her legacy of kindness, even after she has passed away.
