Huron Farmworkers Ministry says ‘thanks’
Chris Abbott
Editor
Huron Farmworkers Ministry hosted its annual Farmworkers Appreciation Day in Simcoe on Thursday, August 27.
“It’s an appreciation day to say thank you to our international workers who are here from their own countries, away from their families, away from home,” said Nancy Barwick, Huron Farmworkers Ministry’s secretary of the board.
“So this provides them with a little bit of extracurricular, a good meal, some fellowship. They can get together, chat, and have a fun time.”
Also on site at Trinity Anglican Church, TNO (The Neighbourhood Organization), a supporter of Huron Farmworkers Ministry with an office in Simcoe, is vital, she added.
“The workers’ mental health, and physical health, is also a big part of our ministry,” said Barwick, nodding toward a booth set up by the Agriculture Wellness Ontario (Canadian Mental Health Association), which provides assistance to international agricultural workers.
“We’re here to show people who we are, and we’re really proud to help them. Really proud.”
International Agricultural Workers enjoyed a free meal – similar to meals available Thursdays and Fridays from May until October – music, games, draws prizes and camaraderie.
A number of donated bicycles were on site, available to anyone in need of extra mobility.
“They can take one,” Barwick nodded. “To them it represents freedom.
It’s probably one of the most important donations, the bicycles.”
Huron Farmworkers Ministry hosts free weekly meals for international agricultural workers Thursdays/Fridays in Simcoe, 4-8 p.m., from the start of the season in May/June until late fall.
It starts slow, but during peak harvest season they can get up to 400 per day.
“We try to do healthy menus,” said Diana Granobles (diana@cmhabhn.ca), International Agricultural Wellness Outreach Support Worker and coordinator of the Thursday/Friday meals. “Rice, chicken, beans, pork or beef… always we have salad as one of the sides.
“We also try Mexican food – most of them are from Mexico. Also, many here are from Colombia, so we make a lot of soups.”
They also host special events for IAW holidays.
“Many of them are here for eight months, doing the same, so this gives them something different.”
Huron Farmworkers Ministry
Spiritual and emotional support through visits, prayer and caring conversations in English and Spanish.
Meals and social gatherings at Trinity Anglican Church in Simcoe, Thursdays and Fridays 4-8 p.m.
Emergency support available by phone (548-881-5614).
Canadian Mental Health Association Brant Haldimand Norfolk
Workshops about wellness and adjusting to live in Canada.
Tools to deal with stress, sadness and emotional changes
Private emotional support available online.
Referrals to 24-7 medical and emotional support.
TNO – The Neighbourhood Organization
Helping migrant workers to access accurate information and available services – supports include health, legal and social services.
Increasing education and empowering migrant workers.
Services available in several languages, including English, Spanish and Patois.
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