Wednesdays at Wilmot 12-1pm - September to June Provides an outreach opportunity to individuals who may need a listening ear, information, lunch, food vouchers, bus tickets and haircuts. We welcome donations of cookies, baking, non- perishable food, etc. and financial support to the Benevolent Fund from which vouchers are purchased. 4 volunteer teams of 8-10 people (many of whom are non-Wilmoters) ensure this program happens. New volunteers welcome.
There is no Wednesdays@Wilmot program over the summer months of July and August.
Contact: Rita Roach.
Saturday evening drop-in 6-8:30pm - Offers a place to socialize, play cards or pool as well as other activities in an atmosphere of friendship. Food provided by the Abbey Cafe as well as snacks are enjoyed. Volunteer teams rotate over a 4-5 week period being responsible for set up, serving, socializing with guests and clean up. Contact:
Guy Vezina or
Jon Sweeney.
Care For The Earth With Love:
A Lenten program, "Give it up for the Earth" originally started by Citizens for Public Justice, seeks human flourishing and the integrity of creation as our faithful response to God's call for love and justice. It has since evolved into studying many areas of concern. Contact: Gail Wylie.
The Fair Trade Outlet:
"Coffee, tea, chocolate, Olive Oil & crafts" We're the brightly painted cupboard in the gym during Coffee & Conversation. Wilmot is committed to using Fair trade coffee, specifically, Breaking the Silence blend which is produced from a coffee co-operative in Guatemala.
Our goal is to promote and distribute fair trade products which put more profit into the hands of the producers. We sell coffee and other products from Just Us Coffee Roasters and sometimes crafts produced by indigenous peoples' cooperatives in Guatemala and have added Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Soap from Palestine. Contact Outreach if you would like to help out!
Soup Lunch
Outreach committee serves a delicious soup lunch to nourish our bodies and foster our community spirit. These lunches help fund Outreach projects or support other specific needs. Volunteers welcomed to help prepare soup on Sat morning, Sunday set up, and clean up!
Access to Justice
We monitor the need for improving access to justice for those without sufficient economic means in approaching government.
Holiday Gifts
Formerly the Mitten Tree project, many families and individuals moving to Fredericton after being forced to leave their homes in other countries, received warm clothing, toy/gifts in cooperation with MCAF. We are looking for new ideas to welcome these families.
Food/Personal Supplies Donations
Donations from the Congregation are used by the "Wednesdays at Wilmot" program. Non- perishable food, mittens, socks, personal hygiene items may be dropped off at the church.
Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen, located near the Victoria Health Centre, serves 3 free meals a day year round. Traditionally Wilmot, along with St. Dunstan's, provides teams to help prepare and serve food, wash dishes and perform general clean-up after meals from 4:15 to 6:15pm Sundays. Given Covid-19, the volunteer coordinating arrangement has changed, however, new volunteers are welcome.
Educational Events:
Learning and understanding is necessary for social justice. We use various formats during and outside of Sunday Service. If you have an idea or wish to explore a topic/issue contact the Outreach committee.
UNB Campus Ministry
Outreach participates on the Campus Ministry Committee along with other area churches.
Financial Support is provided to community and global organizations/projects where possible.
Outreach Committee Meetings
1st Wed. bi-monthly 6:30 - 8:00 at church (normally)
Check us out... become a member of the Outreach Committee and/or help with a specific project!
Contact: Sally McAllister or Lynn MacKinnon.
Wednesdays @ Wilmot FAQ
You are welcome here!
What is Wednesday at Wilmot?
Wednesday at Wilmot (W@W) is a program of Wilmot United Church that offers a safe, supportive environment and a time to socialize for marginalized and at-risk people in Fredericton and the surrounding areas. W@W offers a nutritious lunch, programs such as footcare, cooking and art, referrals to other community resources, free haircuts, a limited number of bus tickets, and opportunities to meet with outreach social workers and student nurses about personal issues. W@W also provides food vouchers to those in need.
When does W@W happen?
Each Wednesday afternoon, from September to early June. Doors open at 12pm and most people stay about an hour.
Who may attend?
W@W is open to everyone who is in need of encouragement and assistance. Those who attend do not have to be members of Wilmot United Church and there is no means test to qualify for a food voucher. Children are welcome - there is a children's corner, however childcare is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Vouchers and Top-up Table
Individuals, couples or families in need are eligible for food vouchers from Victory Meat Market. They range from $20 to $35 depending on size of the family. Funds for vouchers are donated by the Wilmot congregation through the Benevolent Fund. The congregation also contributes food and dry goods to the Top-up Table to help supplement the vouchers. Vouchers are given out every 2nd week and cannot be accessed at other times. Vouchers are only available in person during W@W. The number of vouchers given out depends on the funds available, therefore vouchers are available on a first come, first served basis. People coming to receive a voucher often are at the door 20 to 30 minutes before it opens.
Storm Cancellation Policy
W@W is cancelled if schools in Anglophone South West are cancelled. Please listen to the radio and do not come to the church if school is cancelled.
Funding
In addition to the congregation of Wilmot United Church, in 2017 W@W received support from the Fredericton Community Foundation, the Fredericton Co-op Community Fund, the City of Fredericton's Transit Assistance Program and Victory Meat Market. We are grateful for this continued support.
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