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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