June 5, 2025
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The mood was upbeat and the enthusiasm was contagious as the Farmworker Hub celebrated its fourth year of operation with an Open House on Wednesday night. Members of Quest Community Health, Bridges Niagara and Bikes for Farmworkers were also on hand to share about their involvement with the farm worker community.
Volunteers Tracey Dau, Constance Brown, Annette Whitely, Zena Samuels, Sue Dale, Emily Fieguth, Sarah Cordon, and Ann Dempster hosted tours of the Virgil facility at Cornerstone Church. First time visitors were impressed as volunteers shared their experiences and explained the process that donations must pass through before being displayed on the racks.
It was also a great opportunity for neighbours to meet in person. Sarah Cordon’s eyes lit up from behind the front desk when she recognized Anneliese Pankratz, a resident of Pleasant Manor. She had met Anneliese on numerous occasions while out walking her dog in the evenings without realizing the connections they shared.
Anneliese’s face is a very familiar one in Niagara-on-the-Lake, having driven the school bus in the area for 35 years. She not only knew the farmers as they were growing up, but was a favourite driver for the second generation as well.
What many locals do not know is that she quietly ran the original version of the “Hub” from her apple barn on Four Mile Creek Rd for close to 30 years. Sourcing warm clothes primarily from the Mennonite Central Committee’s Benefit Shop, her little free shop was the first stop for many farm workers after the long journey here.
We were her neighbours just a few doors down from her modest farm house. I remember well the many times we would see Anneliese pass by in her trusty blue van filled to capacity, honking and waving as she took workers on a spontaneous trip to the Falls or shopped for deals at Canadian Tire.
It quickly became clear – the relationship was mutual as neighbours and friends, not a mission or project. She treated them like family and was affectionately referred to as their Canadian mum.
She received no financial or practical support. She laughs as she recalls that her friendships were a source of curiosity to some and not a little gossip in certain circles.
She enjoyed reminiscing with Emily Fieguth who recalled a few of the more entertaining stories, such as a domino tournament that Anneliese had hosted in her home.
Moving on through the racks of clothing and into the housewares area Anneliese marvelled at the well-stocked shelves. Having volunteered at the Benefit Shop for 40 years she was keenly aware of the amount of time and dedication required to organize the large volume of donations required to serve close to 2,000 local farm workers.
Barry Newcombe hosted the table displaying samples of the work boots distributed by the Hub in a successful partnership with supplier, Mr. Safety. Anneleise was incredulous when he pointed out that it is only June and they have already provided 1,009 farm workers with new steel toed boots. It can be a daunting task and requires a significant amount of time from the volunteer team: Driving with a trailer to Toronto to pick up the boots, sorting through every shoe box to verify the contents, connecting them with the right farm worker, and seeing the process right through to getting the boots in their hands.
She agreed heartily when Barry commented that it’s the friendships with their farm neighbours that fuels the passion to put in long hours when required.
She expressed a wish to visit the drop-in centre on the second floor.
As we stood there wondering how assist her with the stairs, Anneliese had already ditched her walker and made it to the top of the first flight, laughing at the look of shock on our faces. At the top, she was greeted enthusiastically by volunteer Julia Buxton Cox, who introduced her to Brittney Kranz, the Hub’s coordinator, before directing her to a large display of sponsors who contribute to the Hub’s success.
Progressing into the drop-in centre, Anneliese was happy to discover mutual friendships with volunteer Tracey Dau as Tracey shared some of her experiences visiting families on recent trips to Jamaica.
Daisy, Nudrat, and Susan from Bridges Niagara provided information about their ESL courses offered and special events planned for occasions such as Father’s Day.
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At a nearby table Moises Vasquez, director of the SAWP program at Quest, explained the services available through their health clinic, which is a valuable presence at Southridge Church in Vineland, the farm worker hubs in Beamsville and Fenwick, and the Cornerstone location in Virgil. Anneliese was keenly aware of the challenges of inadequate health care having driven many farm workers to local clinics in years past. We marvelled at the improvement in care thanks to the services of Quest and dedication of Moises and his team of professionals.
Her surprise and delight was evident when she noticed a photo displayed of a much younger Anneliese holding a Jamaican “No Problem” t-shirt in her little free shop.
Her influence over the decades has touched the lives of not only her farm worker neighbours but countless locals that she has inspired through her quiet service and humble heart.
She has demonstrated the value of simply showing up and allowing love to guide her steps, the very picture of a caring community we can all aspire to.
The ripple effects of her care over the decades cannot be overestimated and the evening at the open house was a testament to that. She was so encouraged to meet others who are sharing that same passion.
The whole hearted embrace by the many supporters in the community has made the Farmworker Hub a tremendous success, ensuring its sustainability and ongoing appreciation for our hardworking neighbours.
Anneliese’s ready laughter and twinkle in her eye left a trail of smiles, hugs and warm hearts as she guided her walker out of the Open House and into the sunshine.
One of the true treasures of Niagara-on-the-Lake, keep shining your light Anneliese!