Open Arms Mission of Welland Inc

We had an encounter this week with a angry client that weighed heavily on my heart. This individual, someone with whom we’ve always shared a warm connection, came in seeking help. I could only offer one emergency pack. As we rely on donations and we are low on donations.

The conversation quickly grew tense as the individual began questioning why we serve others—who aren’t originally from Canada. Gently, I reminded the person that this place exists to serve without judgment, to offer hope and kindness to all in need. Frustrated, the individual left, saying they didn’t want to speak with me anymore.

This encounter reminded me of the deep struggles our community faces. It’s painful to see so many in need and to know that sometimes, we can’t solve every hardship. Moments like these underscore why we’re here—to extend compassion to all, even when it’s difficult. 💔

Let’s keep lifting each other up and remember that kindness and empathy are the bridges that bring us closer. Jesus “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Mark 12:30

Deanna,

⭐2 DAYS UNTIL THE WELLAND FOOD DRIVE⭐

Porch Pickup on Saturday, November 2. Please have your items out by 10:00 am

When you go to the store this week, can you pick up an extra bag of food?

Here's your shopping list of most needed items:
🐟 Canned Meat (Tuna or Ham)
🫘 Canned Pork & Beans
🍝Pasta & Pasta Sauce
🍲 Canned Soup
🥜 Peanut Butter
🧃Juice and Juice Boxes
🥨 Kids Snacks
🍼 Baby Food & Formula

If you won't be home on November 2 to get your bag out by 10am or if you won't be going shopping this week, you can donate online at wellandfooddrive.com.

Please share this post!

⭐3 DAYS UNTIL THE WELLAND FOOD DRIVE⭐

Porch Pickup on Saturday, November 2. Please have your items out by 10:00 am

When you go to the store this week, can you pick up an extra bag of food?

Here's your shopping list of most needed items:
🐟 Canned Meat (Tuna or Ham)
🫘 Canned Pork & Beans
🍝Pasta & Pasta Sauce
🍲 Canned Soup
🥜 Peanut Butter
🧃Juice and Juice Boxes
🥨 Kids Snacks
🍼 Baby Food & Formula

If you won't be home on November 2 to get your bag out by 10am or if you won't be going shopping this week, you can donate online at wellandfooddrive.com.

Please share this post!

This Saturday! We are only four days away from the Welland Food Drive!

Time to get your bags and boxes ready to go on your porch before 10am on Saturday morning.

We already have $14,940 in cash donations, a little less than halfway to our financial goal. If you can, please donate online today and help us get to our goal of $35,000. Wellandfooddrive.com

The 33rd annual Welland Food Drive will take place on Saturday, November 2nd from 10am - 1pm. Hundreds of volunteers will help collect and sort food donations for Welland's three food banks.

Thank you YourTV Niagara and Mark Wikobrado for giving us the opportunity to share about this important community food drive.

2024 Welland Food Drive Preview The 33rd annual Welland Food Drive will take place on Saturday, November 2nd from 10am - 1pm. Hundreds of volunteers will help collect and sort food donation...

⭐The Welland Food Drive helps local food banks meet increasing demand⭐

COMMUNITY FOOD COLLECTION
Leave your non-perishable donations in a box or bag on your porch or driveway by 10 am on Saturday November 2nd. Our volunteers will be going door-to-door to collect your donations.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS
For details for online and other donation options, please visit our web site at:
https://trellis.org/welland-food-drive

Thank you for your support! Your donations will help feed your Welland neighbours in need.

If you are new to Welland or haven't participated before, you might be wondering what the Welland Food Drive is and what to do. The Welland Food Drive is in its 33rd year and is led by a group of committed volunteers.

On Saturday, November 2, volunteers will be driving around Welland on pre-determined routes, driving up and down every street in Welland collecting non-perishable food and hygiene items.

The bags and boxes of food are brought to Club Richelieu Welland on River Road, where volunteers from three of the food banks in Welland The Hope Centre, Open Arms Mission of Welland Inc and Salvation Army Welland will be waiting to load up the donated food on their trucks.

After that day, the food gets sorted (checking expiry dates, grouping like items, making sure seals aren't broken) and then sent to the food banks to be given out over the next months.

We try to make it as easy as possible to participate. All you need to do is put your food donation out on your front porch in a visible location, somewhere easy for the volunteer drivers to find by 10am on Saturday, November 2.

If you live in an apartment building, we will be coming to your building too and you could really help us out by putting up a poster in your building so your neighbors know what to do and when.

Please share this post to make sure that everyone knows how to participate!

Stella never imagined her life would take such a difficult turn. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, she suffered through a stroke and heart attack. The toll on her body and mind was overwhelming, but what wore her down the most was the four years spent caring for her ailing mother, followed by her son’s battle with Burkitt’s lymphoma. He was just 10 years old when he began chemotherapy, and the aggressive treatment wreaked havoc on his small body. For two long years, Stella lived in and out of the hospital, her heart breaking for her son while her other children struggled without her at home.

“We were starving,” she recalls.

But when Stella walked through the doors of the Open Arms Mission, she found more than just food. She found warmth, compassion, and a place that understood her pain.

“Every time I come here, I feel welcomed. It’s not just about the food—it’s the people. It feels like people really want to help, and that makes all the difference.”

For Stella, the support from Open Arms Mission has been more than a lifeline. It has given her the strength to keep going, even on her hardest days, knowing she’s not alone. Stella will be interviewing for a job this week. Yesterday, we prayed with her about this opportunity. Join us in praying for Stella as she continues her journey.

For the past 31 plus years, Francine Horton and her Grade 2 classes have been working hard to support our community. Friday, this small class came together for a big cause. They donated over 700 pounds of healthy produce! We are blessed to have local schools like École élémentaire catholique Saint-François-d'Assise, providing healthy food for our clients and community. Thank you!

In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God....

In one week in September, at Open Arms Mission of Welland Inc 11,179.3 lbs of food was given out to:

206 Kids 0-12 years
49 Teens 13-17 years
322 Adults 18-64
18 Seniors

Almost 600 people in one single week at just one of the food banks in Welland! That is a huge amount of food and many people in need in a community the size of Welland.

If you are able to, please donate at Wellandfooddrive.com

A heartfelt thanks to Vermeer's Garden Centre for their Christmas Open House! Your generosity helps feed those in need. Join them on Nov 7, 12-8 PM, bring non-perishable food donations. See you there! 🎄

Celebrate the start of the Christmas season at Vermeer's on Thursday, November 7th, 2024, from 12 to 8 p.m.🎄

Enjoy Christmas décor demonstrations, refreshments, festive treats, live holiday music, sales, door prizes, and more!

Please bring a non-perishable food donation for Open Arms Mission of Welland Inc.

Christmas décor will be 10% off from Thursday, November 7th until Saturday, November 9th, 2024. Some exclusions may apply.

Check out the Events Calendar on our website to learn more about what we have planned for the holiday season: https://vermeers.ca/events-calendar/. More updates to follow!

Are you curious about what our Christmas Open House is like? Watch last year's recap video to see all the festive fun you can expect this year: https://vimeo.com/884533988.

We give heartfelt thanks for the local churches that support those within our community. Yesterday, Rosh Gill had the privilege of speaking at Rice Road Community Church, where he shared the incredible ways God is moving through our food bank. His message highlighted the transformative impact we’re making together, not just in providing food, but in offering hope and love to those in need.

We are grateful for the partnership and dedication of each church that joins us in this mission. Together, we are spreading God’s love and making a difference in the lives of many.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!

Welland! Save the date for this year's Welland Food Drive, Saturday, November 2.

We will once again be going door to door to every home in Welland, collecting food for 3 of the food banks in Welland.

With 1 in 10 Wellanders needing food bank services over the last year, we really need the people of Welland to step up and help take care of our neighbours in need, as you do each year.

You can also donate financially online at Wellandfooddrive.com

Please share this post and use the Welland Food Drive event page to invite people to "come"! Thank you!

This Thanksgiving, you can make a real difference with Open Arms Mission by Pledging a Turkey https://www.openarmsmissionwelland.com/donate. For just $40, you’ll provide a family in need with a Thanksgiving meal to remember. Pledge a Turkey today and bring the joy of Thanksgiving to those who need it most!

? Or Mission Meals? Mission Meals tomorrow 10am-12pm!

🎂🎉 Let’s give a big belated and fun, birthday shoutout two of the best, Peggy and Ray! 🥳 They are the heart and soul of our Food Bank, always bringing smiles and joy with her caring nature.

You guys are superstars! 🌟 Whether you’re distributing food or spreading cheer, you make everything more fun. Keep being awesome, and have the best birthday ever! 🎈🎁

THIS SATURDAY! Join us for our first event Oct 5th, from 10am-12pm at 22 Fifth Street, Welland!

Want to get involved and make a difference? We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to join our Mission Meals team! 💪🍴

📧 Interested? Email us at [email protected] for more details on how you can help serve our community!

Let’s come together, share a meal, and spread love! 💛 See you there!

Beginning today, sidewalk pouring will take place on Fifth Street through October 4th. To accommodate this, free parking has been arranged at the Welland Arena.

🍽️ Mission Meals is BACK! Join us for our first event on Saturday, Oct 5th, from 10am-12pm at 22 Fifth Street, Welland! 🙌

✨ This FREE community event happens bi-weekly and offers not just delicious, nutritious meals, but also fellowship, support, and love to everyone who walks through our doors.

We’re thrilled to announce that Wainfleet BIC Church will be volunteering to support this first event! 🙏💛 Their generous hearts will help us kick off this season with extra love and service.

📅 When? Saturday, Oct 5th | 10am-12pm
📍 Where? 22 Fifth Street, Welland

Want to get involved and make a difference? We’re always looking for passionate volunteers to join our Mission Meals team! 💪🍴

📧 Interested? Email us at [email protected] for more details on how you can help serve our community!

Let’s come together, share a meal, and spread love! 💛 See you there!

We are so grateful!! Last night, at the New to You Thrift Shop anniversary celebration, we received this donation. We want to acknowledge and show our appreciation to New to You Thrift Shop. New To You Thrift Shop is a ministry of Christian Benefit Shop Inc. CBS is a non-profit ministry of the Niagara-area Be In Christ Churches. They are committed to follow Christ's example in reaching out to all people in our community, especially those in need. Working in partnership with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), they exist to recycle and sell quality, donated items at reasonable prices! Thank you New To You Thrift Shop! Thank you for your donation! Thank you for all you do! Thank you for continuing to show you are for Welland.

We did it again! Another $10,000.00 to Open Arms Mission Food Bank. Thank you to all of our customers who made this donation possible, without you we would not be able to support our community.