As of today we are looking for 2 high chairs, double bed, 3 cribs, 2 strollers, double stroller, bassinet, adult bike, 2 lamps, couch, tv, blinds, coat rack, entertainment centre, 2x computer desk, set of dishes (4 piece set), 2 end tables and summer clothing and shoes.

We are partnered with Road to Zero Waste ( https://roadtozerowaste.org) who supply us with food and other items that are still useable but not good enough to sell. We have a new amazing volunteer Kathy who has been organizing and picking up the food. This fridge is available for anyone in Guelph.

To start with we have two new staff members Perpetual doing centre management and cooking. Kim Richer as our community connector.

Every Friday is COFFEE HOUR (11am-1pm) where we serve coffee, decaf coffee, tea, hot chocolate and lemon water. Usually accompanied by fresh baking by Perpetual.

The 1st and 3rd Monday is preparing delicious ready to eat meals. Ready for pick up after noon. Please return the container in comes in so we can reuse it.

Onward Willow Neighbourhood Group is currently accepting the following items for donation:

Seasonal Clothing – most especially: WINTER GEAR, BOYS 6-12YRS, WOMEN’S XL

Non-perishable food items: especially: canned vegetables, canned fruit, peanut butter, pasta & sauce, cereal, popcorn, tuna

Small working appliances: coffee makers, toasters, toaster ovens, microwaves, crock pots, Instapots

We are open for donation drop-off on Wednesdays & Fridays between 11am – 2pm. If you have larger items such as furniture to donate, please give us a call and we may be able to arrange the donation directly.

THANK-YOU!

Thursday September 16th & Saturday September 18th

HAPPY ALMOST FALL ALL! This year The Onward Willow community is lucky to have Jazzfest coming to Norm Jary Park! This is a FREE event ( limited spaces) and a great way to get involved in our community while listening to great music! Shauna Brown from OWNG is the Volunteer Manager and is in need of volunteers for different time slots. She is hoping that with your help this event will be even more amazing!
Below are the shifts she is in need of filling. Please reach out and let her know if you are able to help – shauna.owng@gmail.com
Thursday September 16th

2:30-3:45pm

install snow fencing, signage & set up tables

4:15-6:00pm

Contact tracing, accepting donations & other duties

6:00-7:30pm

Contact tracing, accepting donations & other duties

7:30-8:30pm

Tear down of snow fencing, signage, stow items & sweep site

Saturday September 18th

12:30-1:45

install snow fencing, signage & set up tables

2:15-4:00pm

Contact tracing, accepting donations & other duties

4:00-5:30pm

Contact tracing, accepting donations & other duties

5:30-6:30pm

Tear down of snow fencing, signage, stow items & sweep site

Please contact Shauna if you have any questions and what shift(s) you are able to help with. 
 Looking forward to working with you!

UPDATE: Wednesday January 13th, 2021

As per instruction from Wellington Dufferin Public Health, Onward Willow Neighbourhood Group will be closed to the public until further notice. This is to decrease our risk of spreading COVID-19 as cases continue to rise in Ontario and we are in lockdown. This is a trying time for everyone but please know we are here to help as we can. We are trying to find creative ways to distribute essential items to our community. If there is something you or anyone you know is in need of, please e-mail us (contact info below) or leave us a message at 519-824-6892.

If you require support of any kind, please reach out to the following people by text, email or phone call:

Please note: we are not able to accept any further donations at this time. If you have specific household items you would like to donate, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to arrange getting it out to someone in need – we are unable to receive donations at the centre at this time. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to our kids’ clothing drive, donated food and other essentials in this time of need. We couldn’t do it alone and we appreciate you all for your ongoing support and dedication to community.

KIDS’ GEAR: we have piles of kid’s winter gear: lots of brand new, warm jackets up to age 14, youth gear, hats, mitts, scarves, boots, shoes. Please reach out! Our clothing program is a city-wide service so you don’t have to live in the Onward Willow Neighbourhood to access this. This also applies to all ages: we are happy to put together packages of quality, seasonal clothing in specific sizes.

***Please remember to reach out first to make arrangements in order for us to continue being safe.

As per instruction from the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, Onward Willow Neighbourhood Group (and other neighbourhood groups) will be closed to the public until further notice. This is to decrease our risk of spreading COVID-19 as cases continue to rise in Ontario and we are in lockdown. This is a trying time for everyone but please know we are here to help as we can. We are trying to find creative ways to distribute essential items to our community. If there is something you or anyone you know is in need of, please e-mail us (contact info below) or leave us a message at 519-824-6892.

If you require support of any kind, please reach out to the following people by text, email or phone call:

Shauna Brown, Neighbourhood group Assistant, 519-824-6892 shauna.owng@gmail.com

Hi Friends,

Just a few updates around some of the things happening so far this year and some updates on programs. If you’d like more information about any updates, please feel free to e-mail onwardwillownsw@gmail.com or shauna.owng@gmail.com.

We are accepting seasonal clothing and footwear in good condition during our operating hours Mon-Wed-Fri 10am-3pm. We also appreciate household goods including small appliances, decor, newer books, sports equipment, toys (with all pieces) and much more. If you have large items to donate, please call and we can try to make a donation directly to someone in need – we cannot accept large items at the centre. We operate out of a townhouse and space is limited!

We are thrilled and excited to announce that there is a new Parent Outreach Worker, Lynne Kloostra, from the Guelph Community Health Centre who will be supporting families within the Onward Willow Neighbourhood! This is an incredibly important addition for our community and an exciting move forward.  Please get in touch for more info.

Homework Club will be starting up again this coming Monday March 2nd at Willow Road School between 5:30-7pm. There are some awesome folks who can help your child with a wide variety of subjects. A big shout-out to Rachana and her amazing team of volunteer for their care and dedication!

Enjoy community yoga with Sabrina every Thursday evening 7:00pm-8:00pm at Paisley Road School. PWYC (suggested $5-$15).

Just a reminder that we will be partnering again this year with Shelldale for the annual, free tax clinics for low income families. There will be an update on dates/times once they’re confirmed: two dates in March for neighbourhood folks and one city-wide date in April. Stay tuned!

There are free science workshops happening at Willow Rd. School once a month from January through May! This is in partnership with the amazing folks at Scientists in School. Please e-mail us to register your child up to the age of 12 yrs.

January 14th – Please Play with Your Food – 6:30-7:30pm

February 11th – Obey Newton – It’s the Law! – 6:30pm-7:30pm

March 10th – Colour Me Curious – 6:30pm-7:30pm

April 14th – Good Clean Fun – 6:30pm-7:30pm

May 12th – The Planet Digs Bugs – 6:30-7:30

We will be hosting our annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Saturday April 4th. This will be an event to register for. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the link.