March 25, 2025
The first of the balmy breezes have arrived and music is in the air with the early arrivals of the red winged blackbirds and the first of the migrating songbirds. For many Niagara residents there is also a different kind of soundscape that heralds the arrival of spring – the sounds of tractors in the fields and conversations of Caribbean and Mexican workers in the banks and aisles grocery stores.
This past Sunday the conversations were animated and hugs were plenty as friends reunited at Bikes for Farmworkers and the official opening of the Farmworkers Hub just a short block away.
Over 80 farmworkers braved the blustery weather on their bikes to be greeted with an enthusiastic welcome by Brittney Sliasas, volunteer coordinator and director of the Hub. Volunteers hustled about assisting their customers find the warm clothing or household items they were in need of. A second year volunteer commented that although she enjoyed working on Tuesday mornings sorting donations, it was the Sunday afternoons of neighbourly camaraderie with the men and women working on local farms that filled her with joy.
Moises Vasquez who heads up the farmworker program for Quest Community Clinic was also there greeting workers at the door. It was his day off but he was there to coordinate requests and hand out information regarding the upcoming clinic hours and locations.
Michel Lapoine and Dave Cox make adjustments for Nathan and Errol before they ride off with their new bikes.
Located in the old Virgil Public School, Bikes for Farmworkers opened their doors specially to coordinate with the Hub opening. A dozen bikes were sold at $25 each to very appreciative customers. Although Sylvia Leon and her cousin Patricia Arauz work on different farms here, they have both been coming up eight months of the year for 27 years. Being so far away from family for extended periods of time is an ongoing hardship. Having access to bike transportation has made a world of difference so these cousins can enjoy time together when not at work.
The Bikes for Farmworkers crew has been busy repairing bikes throughout winter but are facing an urgent need for second hand bikes to fix and sell. They also welcome donations which allows them to purchase spare parts and supplies. Please contact Ken Eden at 905-468-8971 or visit https://gatewaynotl.com/bikes for shop hours and more information.
Thriving models of other well established farmworker outreaches in Niagara such as Southridge Church Vineland and St. Alban’s Church in Beamsville are shining examples of the vitality that churches can bring to their communities. Both churches operate “Hubs” for their farm neighbours offering clothing, spacious drop-in centers with computers, printers, large screen TV’s, pool and ping pong tables. Health clinics are open on alternating weekends for farm workers with or without health cards. Community meals are planned regularly at both churches, providing additional opportunities for locals to enjoy an “extended table” and get to know their neighbours.
Nate Dirks, Southridge Church, discusses ideas with representatives from 7 migrant worker support groups in the area.
Southridge Vineland has taken it a step further by organizing pick up sports such as floor hockey and indoor cricket where families and children can enjoy these activities with their neighbours from the farms. Although this has happened “organically” in the past, church outreach director Nate Dirks states that this year they are being more intentional to develop these cross cultural, intergenerational friendships. Events like these foster deeper relationships that continue long after the season ends. The annual spring welcome concert and dinner, bowling nights, trips to Niagara Falls, regular BBQ’s and cricket matches adjacent to the church are some of the season’s highlights not just for the workers but for everyone in the community who takes part.
In Niagara-on-the-Lake/Virgil the Bikes for Farmworkers, Quest Community Health Clinic and the Farmworker Hub have become an essential part of the caring community. Some locals may have initially stepped through the doors as curious volunteers, but the friendships that have evolved from their experience have been transformational.
This past Sunday the sun broke through the rain clouds about 30 minutes before the Hub closed. Pavan, here from Sri Lanka on the 2 year Agstream program arrived, pushing his bike against the blustery wind. The rise and fall of cheery greetings in three different languages as he entered the Hub door was indeed music to the ears, for those who have ears to hear it.