It is also a program that has attracted extensive community support through partnerships far beyond the parish. These include not only other parishes, but also diverse partners such as Durham Regional Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the United Church, the Baptist Church, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, The Gathering Place (a partnership of seven local churches) the Salvation Army and many individual donors.

What is the role of the Church in the Canadian economy?

One template is the Migrant Worker Ministry in Orono and its support of the agrifood sector. Administered by one of the smallest parishes in the diocese, this ministry demonstrates what faith-based programs can achieve beyond the four walls of a church building.

Every year, migrant farm workers come from around the world to support the physically demanding work of agriculture in Canada through the federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. These workers are essential to the success and stability of our national food infrastructure. Before the pandemic, more than 20,000 migrant workers worked on farms and in greenhouses in Ontario alone. The majority of these workers come from Mexico and Jamaica, with other source countries including the Philippines, Thailand, Nicaragua and Vietnam. In Clarington, workers arrive from Mexico and the Caribbean to spend at least 10 months working in agriculture and helping to feed Canadians.

The Rev. Augusto Núñez, incumbent of St. Saviour, Orono, provides Spanish-language religious services to the men. This ministry includes a weekly church service as well as regular pastoral visits to the men in their working and living environments. The Sunday service is held simultaneously with the regular English-speaking congregation, providing a growing opportunity for cultural exchange and friendship.

The Hub

The ministry also provides access to “The Hub,” the crown jewel of the ministry. The Hub is a free “store” located in the church basement. It provides clothing, non-perishable food, hygiene supplies, winter coats, hoodies, sweaters, boots and bicycles for transportation around the farms. The estimated retail value of the items in The Hub in 2026 is conservatively $30,000. This has been made possible through the development of partnerships with the wider community and fellow faith-based organizations. All items in The Hub are donated by a growing number of community organizations, individual donors, interfaith churches and the congregation of St. Saviour’s. The workers can access The Hub throughout the year, obtaining appropriate clothing and footwear as the seasons change from the cold of winter to the heat of summer.

Community dinners

The second major area of financial support comes through communal dinners. Throughout the year, four communal sit-down dinners are provided free of charge to the men. These occasions can accommodate more than 100 workers. Along with the food, musical entertainment is always very popular, with the workers enthusiastically participating in the Spanish-language entertainment. Many of the men have excellent voices and are never shy about providing solo performances. These dinners are hosted by community supporters and parishes, with the full cost of each dinner borne by the hosting parish. But this ministry is clearly more than one parish, one minister or one congregation. It is a community supporting migrant workers in their work to feed us all – and supporting their stewardship of God’s earth, which has a direct impact on Ontario and communities far beyond Orono.

Saying goodbye

José and Jesús are saying their goodbyes to the congregation at St. Saviour’s in Orono and packing their bags at the end of yet another 10-month season of farm work. “On behalf of the workers at Garden Farm – Cayetano, Carlos Felipe and José – we thank Father Augusto and everyone who provides us with annual donations, such as groceries, delicious meals, clothing, footwear and exchange vouchers. May God multiply these gifts and bless you always. Truly, thank you very much, Father.” – José at Garden Farm

“On behalf of all the Mexican workers at Pingle’s Farm Market, we extend our deepest gratitude to Father Augusto and all the volunteers at his parish for the selfless support they have provided us from the start of the season until its conclusion. Thank you very much, Father. May God always watch over and bless you.” – Jesús, Pingle’s Farm Market

Supporting Canada’s agricultural future

Today, Canadian society is highly dependent on migrant farm workers to maintain the agricultural sector, whether on farms, in fruit orchards or in greenhouses. A recently announced 10-year, $3.2 billion food security strategy highlights the Canadian government’s focus on developing and growing domestic food production, with plans to establish small food hubs and terminals for a more “home grown” distribution of produce across the country

The Anglican Church, along with other faith-based and agrifood-sector partners, can assist with this strategy. The success of Núñez and the partnerships he has developed demonstrate a potential model for how faith communities can contribute to this important work.

St. Saviour’s and the Migrant Worker Ministry wish to acknowledge the invaluable financial advice, support and encouragement provided throughout the year by all of our donors and partners, along with the Diocese of Toronto, FaithWorks, the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation and, in particular, the continued encouragement and support of Bishop Riscylla Shaw.

A final thank you

We conclude with a message from one of the workers in a thank-you letter received during the 2026 season:

“Anyone would party with you until dawn, but not just anyone would do so in a hospital. Anyone might eat with you at a restaurant, but not just anyone would sit on the street and share a meal with you. Anyone can be there during times of plenty, but not just anyone stands by you during times of scarcity. That is why today, with a heart full of gratitude, I want to thank the Migrant Worker Ministry and all the people who support us through their generous donations. Especially Father Augusto Núñez for the help he provides every Sunday through the Spanish-language services. He teaches us that we are not alone, that God is with us wherever we are, and that He gives us the strength to keep moving forward. I thank God for the incredible people He has placed on our path and for everyone who makes us feel truly blessed.” – Workers at Rekker’s Gardens Inc.

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We consider it a privilege to have them with us during our bilingual services at St. Saviour’s, and we are glad they can use our Clothing Hub, where they can help themselves to work clothes throughout the season that they are here.

In preparation for their return, we assembled welcome bags filled with hygiene products, snacks and other essentials. Last year, we distributed about 500 welcome bags, and we expect to provide the same number this season. We are incredibly grateful to our partner churches, community organizations and generous volunteers who help us put these bags together and maintain our Clothing Hub throughout the season.

Our migrant workers consistently express their gratitude for the support we offer. Here are just a few messages we’ve received this past season:

• “Thank you for all you’ve done for us. The clothes, the meals, the music and the fellowship are greatly appreciated. Most of all, we are thankful for sharing the word of God.” – Juan Carlos Diaz at Algoma Orchards.
• “I thank God for allowing us to come here to work for our families. We are so grateful to meet you and to everyone who have helped us with clothes, shoes and so much more. Your prayers and the Mexican songs you bring mean a lot to us.”– Juan de Dios Barron Medina at Wilmont Farm.
• “Thank you for your unconditional support. I look forward to continuing to receive your kindness in the years to come.” – Miguel Angel Romero at Linton’s Farm.

Our migrant workers represent a vulnerable population, one that our church and community are proud to support. This ministry reflects the diocese’s commitment to mission and outreach, ensuring that we extend care not just within our church walls, but also to those who contribute so much to our agricultural sector.

As we celebrate their return this year, we invite your support for this vital ministry. In-kind donations and financial contributions through FaithWorks are always welcome, ensuring that we can continue providing for the needs of our migrant worker friends. Let us continue to reflect the love of Christ through our actions, sharing support, prayer and fellowship with those who need it most.

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In preparation for their arrival, we assembled welcome bags containing hygiene products and snacks. Last year, we distributed around 500 welcome bags, and this year we expect to distribute many more. Many of the workers, especially those who have been coming for years, are surprised to see how inflation has increased the costs of everyday items. In addition, some have also shared that their wages are impacted by the low Canadian dollar. With tariffs looming, there is the potential for life to get even more difficult.

In their own words, we hear how impactful the Migrant Worker Ministry has been:

“My name is Cortés Ayala and I work at Algoma Orchards, which is dedicated to everything related to apples. We thank Father Augusto and all the people who support us with the pantry items, winter clothes, shoes, backpacks and everything else. Thank you and God bless you” – Alejandro Cortés Ayala, Algoma Orchards

“My name is Oscar and I am from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Thanks to the parish, Father Ted (McCollum) and Father Augusto for the church services that we are invited to attend when possible. In the services, we thank God for protecting us at work and for taking care of our families. Thank you very much for all the attention and support you give us.” – Oscar Sanchez, Good Year Farm

“My name is Ricardo Johnson and I am from the Watson Farm. Pastor and team, you do wonderful, good work! God bless you and your team, and I hope and trust in the Lord that He will continue to bless you and your team, to guide you, to protect you, to lead you, and to direct! God bless you, sir.” – Ricardo Johnson, Watson Farm

There is no doubt that these workers are a vulnerable population that our Church and community are reaching out to, thanks to our diocesan focus on mission and outreach. This reflects our shared responsibility to care for all individuals in our parishes and diocese, as well as to extend our outreach beyond our church buildings.

We are delighted to welcome our migrant worker brothers and friends as they return to Canada. The Migrant Worker Ministry gladly welcomes in-kind donations and financial support through your FaithWorks contributions.

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Every June, we hold welcome dinners for the workers in Orono and Beaverton. In Orono, this year’s dinner was held at Orono Town Hall, with 100 workers present. The men were treated to a wonderful dinner provided by our parish host, the Rev. Canon Kit Greaves and his volunteers from Christ Memorial Church, Oshawa. We had a great meal, sang hymns, listened to a short sermon and had games with prizes.

In Beaverton, the Rev. Canon Ted McCollum and volunteers from St. Paul’s hosted the dinner, with about 45 men in attendance. Kim McCollum and the volunteers prepared a delicious Mexican meal for them.

The men appreciate these get-togethers, as they already have a connection with the parishes when they come back to Canada to work in our fields. They are from Mexico and Caribbean countries like Jamaica and Barbados. These welcome meals in Orono and Beaverton are great events where we welcome the men and pray with them and the farms for a good and safe season.

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