Former Kawartha Lakes Food Source executive director facing fraud-related charges

DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A former executive director of Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS) is facing multiple criminal charges, after police allege more than $50,000 was improperly spent using the organization's credit card, during her time leading the local food security agency.

According to court documents, Kathy Ridout was charged, by the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, in April of 2026, with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, and criminal breach of trust.

The charges allege, between August 20th and December 16th, of 2025, Ms. Ridout used a Visa card, issued by Kawartha Lakes Food Source, to purchase entries into Facebook lottery pages, resulting in an alleged loss of more than $50,000 to the organization.

Court documents further allege, Ms. Ridout committed theft over $5,000 by using, what the Criminal Code defines as, a "valuable security." In this case, it was the organization's credit card, and breached the trust, placed in her as executive director, by using organizational funds for unauthorized purposes.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Ms. Ridout, who also goes by the surname Downes, last appeared in court on July 2nd. A legal representative, appearing on her behalf, requested a 12-week adjournment, which was granted. She is scheduled to return to court on September 24th.

Originally, Ms. Ridout was hired as executive director in the spring of 2025, after spending approximately 15 years working, in fundraising and development, within the non-profit and public sectors. She was suspended by the organization, in December of 2025, following an internal audit, and her employment was terminated in March of 2026.

In a written statement, Kawartha Lakes Food Source said, it has fully co-operated with law enforcement throughout the investigation, and acted promptly after receiving the findings of an internal review.

"Our organization is built on the trust of our donors, volunteers, partners, employees and the families we serve," said board chair Bjorn Alfredsson.

"While this has been a difficult situation, we acted immediately, upon receipt of the findings of a thorough investigation. We are committed to accountability, transparency, and ensuring every dollar entrusted to us is used to support our mission."

The organization said, it has strengthened its financial controls and internal oversight procedures, since the matter came to light.

"We will continue to implement robust financial controls and internal oversight processes, to safeguard the organization," the statement said.

KLFS also emphasized its operations and food assistance programs have continued without interruption. Donor contributions continue to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout Kawartha Lakes.

"This matter is currently before the court system and, as a result, KLFS will not be commenting further regarding this matter," Mr. Alfredsson added.

Financial statements, filed with the Canada Revenue Agency, also reference the issue. Audited statements list $77,867 under "unauthorized transactions." An accompanying note, from the auditors stated, management identified transactions requiring further review, regarding the authorization process and recorded identified losses of $77,867, at year-end. The auditors noted, additional information could become available which may result in future adjustments, and said, it was not yet possible to determine whether any of the funds would be recovered.

Ashley Anderson, a longtime member of the organization, assumed the role of executive director following Ms. Ridout's departure.

Kawartha Lakes Food Source operates a centralized food distribution centre, on Needham Street, in Lindsay, supplying food banks across the municipality. It also operates the Lindsay Community Food Market, a client-choice food bank which allows visitors to select groceries in a shopping-style setting. The organization employs seven staff members and is supported by approximately 75 volunteers.

The charity continues to provide food assistance programs across Kawartha Lakes, while the criminal matter proceeds through the courts.