Looking for a way to show your appreciation to a farm worker?
NIAGARA WORKERS WELCOME
makes it easy by offering
3 SIMPLE WAYS
to reach out to our migrant worker neighbours
You can help to ensure farm workers in Niagara-on-the-Lake are connected to a caring community.
1. Support our welcome events
Since 2007 the Niagara Workers Welcome has hosted annual events to
express appreciation and provide a warm welcome to our neighbours
working on local farms.
Although we have had to adapt and were unable to host large scale
events after Covid the support from locals has continued to grow!
We continue to find creative ways to serve the needs of farm workers
struggling with isolation and food security.
In 2022 Niagara Workers Welcome raised over $9,000 to assist the
families of workers who passed away or suffered serious illness or injury
while in working Niagara on the Lake.
"On behalf of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) and our 1,500
members, I would like to offer my wholehearted support for Niagara Workers Welcome…
The picnic has made huge strides making these workers feel welcome in our community
and bridging cultural gaps. We want to see a Niagara that is not only economically
prosperous but inclusive and welcoming, and this event brings all of these goals together
in a way that is fun and celebratory. We are looking forward to this year’s picnic and
hope that there will be many more to come. "
Mishka Balsom, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
"...Through Jane's dedication and creativity, the Niagara Workers Welcome has become a successful "grassroots" effort that has resulted in growing appreciation and inclusion in the community. I fully support the continuation and expansion of the Workers Welcome based on the significant impact it has in the lives of the farm workers, and the unique positive light it puts on the town of Niagara on the Lake, by recognizing and welcoming the off-shore workers. "
Tim Arnold, Leaders for Leaders
Online donations now an option!
Etransfers can be sent to: niagaraworkerswelcome@gmail.com
No password required, please write if it is designated for a specific need. THANK YOU!
2. WELCOME KITS
Together we are a caring community!
Did you know that workers from the Caribbean arrive in Niagara from their warmer climates as early as January? For some it requires two days of travelling before they reach their farm or bunkhouse often at 2 or 3 in the morning.
You can imagine how much it's appreciated when we greet our offshore neighbours with a friendly 'hello' by providing a welcome kit full of helpful essentials.
In 2022 we provided over 700 welcome kits to Caribbean men and women working in Niagara on the Lake.
Welcome kits are easy and inexpensive to fill and pack. They are a fun, practical way for individuals, families, schools and community groups to connect with these folks that contribute so much to our community!
Click on photo to watch the video!
Bags to be filled may be picked up at 2230 Four Mile Creek Rd.,
and Sweets and Swirls Cafe ( NOTL Community Center)
Collection of filled bags starts in mid-February and can be delivered to:
2230 Four Mile Creek Rd. and The Farmworker Hub, 1570 Niagara Stone Rd. Virgil for specific drop off hours.
*You may also PAY IT FORWARD! $25 will provide one bag
with the above contents for a farm worker.
Etransfer donations are now an option, just click on link below.
3. BIKE REPAIR
Click on photo to hear their interview on CBC Metro Morning!
Transportation is a huge challenge for our migrant worker
friends. Having a safe and reliable bicycle can be the
difference between isolation and community connection.
Bikes For Farmworkers (BFF) fixes used bikes and gets
them into the hands of appreciative workers.
Located at the old Virgil Public School (red doors).
Thursday (10am–8pm).
Please call first to enquire about winter hours and donating.
Contact Gateway Community Church - 905-468-8971
CHECK OUT OUR VIDEOS !
2019 Peach Pickers Picnic
Bikes for Farm Workers
Memories 2007-2020
PEACH PICKERS PICNIC ~ Photo Gallery
