10/31/2025
Village of Berwyn Welcomes Fuel-Up Community Access Centre
The Village of Berwyn is pleased to welcome Gus and Hilda de Jong, new owners of the former Trinity Repair Building on Main Street Berwyn and founders of the Fuel-Up Community Access Centre.
Fuel-Up is a non-profit organization that, in addition to providing fuel for the community and visitors, offers meaningful employment for adults with physical or developmental disabilities, as well as skill-building and mentorship opportunities for youth.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, encouraging space where everyone learns, contributes, and takes pride in their work,” says Hilda de Jong. “We specifically focus on providing opportunities for adults with physical or developmental disabilities who may not thrive in a typical workplace. Our employees will gain experience at the pump, in the store, and in the workshop doing woodworking or small-engine repair.”
The idea for Fuel-Up grew from the de Jongs’ personal experience raising a son with a disability.
“We realized how few local job opportunities exist after high school,” says Hilda. “In the Netherlands, inclusive workplaces are present in almost every town, and we wanted to bring that same spirit here. Berwyn’s small-town community feel makes it the perfect place to start.”
Fuel-Up is governed by a board of directors and relies on fuel sales, fundraising, community support, and grant funding to operate. The goal is to become financially sustainable so profits can be reinvested into programs, equipment, and opportunities for workers. Looking ahead, the de Jongs envision a busy shop and fuel station that provides steady work for 10-20 individuals. They aim to develop community projects, strengthen diversity and inclusion in the region, and add paid staff as soon as possible.
Practical projects in development that both generate revenue and build skills include offering custom laundry services for local businesses, upcycling, building picnic benches, car detailing, equipment cleaning, and preparing firewood bundles. Volunteers will help match each project to individual skills, and Fuel-Up welcomes new ideas from local groups or businesses.
“At Fuel-Up, we create jobs that fit the person — not the other way around,” says Hilda.
Hilda also shared that Fuel-Up and Youth Unlimited in Grimshaw already have plans to partner on youth mentoring and skill-building programs, and many locals have shown interest in working or volunteering with Fuel-Up.
“We are so pleased to have Gus and Hilda open and operate their meaningful organization right here in Berwyn,” says Nicole Johnson, Village of Berwyn Mayor. “Not only are they providing an essential service, their vision and work bring real value to our community and region, and we are so grateful they chose Berwyn to do it.”
Community members, businesses, and organizations can support Fuel-Up by fueling up in Berwyn, volunteering, bringing in work projects, or donating materials such as paint, tools, or building supplies. They are also graciously accepting used furniture for upcycling projects.
With renovations nearing completion, people can expect to see new faces at the pump in November, followed by a grand opening celebration on December 6, 2025. Follow Fuel-Up Community Access Centre on Facebook for updates, or contact them at fuelupcommunity@gmail.com or 780-338-0338.
Photo (Board of Directors):
Left to right: Jamie Friesen, Barry Dale, Michael Kuhn, Gus and Hilda de Jong, and Rachelle Koch
