It was my great honour to present the Key to the City of Brampton—our highest civic distinction—to Annie Bynoe, a truly extraordinary Bramptonian whose lifetime of service has changed countless lives in our community.
The Key to the City is reserved for individuals who exemplify the very best of Brampton. Annie Bynoe does exactly that. For more than three decades, she has led with compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to helping others, quietly and without seeking recognition.
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As Executive Director of Knights Table, Annie has guided the organization through a period of unprecedented need. Under her leadership, Knights Table has grown into one of the region’s most impactful food security organizations, serving tens of thousands of residents every year with dignity, cultural respect, and care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Annie and her team ensured that support continued for those who needed it most, even under the most challenging circumstances.
Throughout the evening, we heard powerful reflections from community leaders, colleagues, and former youth program participants whose lives were shaped by Annie’s mentorship. Long before her work at Knights Table, Annie was investing in young people through programs like the YMCA Black Achievers program, helping them see their potential and build confidence at critical moments in their lives. Many of those youth are now leaders themselves, a testament to the lasting impact of her guidance.
Annie’s leadership extends beyond food security. She has been a tireless advocate for equity, inclusion, and culturally appropriate supports, and she has played a central role in building partnerships across Brampton and Peel. Her vision has also driven the creation of a new, purpose-built Knights Table facility, which will significantly expand services and strengthen support for families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity.
What makes Annie truly exceptional is her selflessness. She does this work not for recognition, but because she believes deeply in people and in community. She leads by listening, by showing up, and by treating every person with dignity and respect.
Presenting Annie Bynoe with the Key to the City was not only a recognition of what she has accomplished—it was a celebration of who she is. Because of Annie’s leadership and compassion, Brampton is a stronger, more caring, and more inclusive city.
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