Seeds of hope: Morden biz, charity team up to help Greece refugees

Charity plans to expand operations as it opens new headquarters

Advertisement

Advertise with us

For Blayne and Tara Wyton, updating their company’s Morden headquarters was an opportunity to establish a head office for a Canadian charity that’s close to their hearts.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$0 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.75/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

For Blayne and Tara Wyton, updating their company’s Morden headquarters was an opportunity to establish a head office for a Canadian charity that’s close to their hearts.

This past summer, the Wytons renovated Prairie Barnwood Ltd., which produces handcrafted shelves, mantles and ceiling beams.

At the same time, they added an office for Hope Renews Inc., a charity that operates on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Tracey and Jonathan Heppner are the founders of Hope Renews, a Canadian charity headquartered in Morden. Hope Renews assists refugees who have fled to the Greek island of Lesbos by providing them with food and teaching them sustainable farming practices. (Supplied)
Tracey and Jonathan Heppner are the founders of Hope Renews, a Canadian charity headquartered in Morden. Hope Renews assists refugees who have fled to the Greek island of Lesbos by providing them with food and teaching them sustainable farming practices. (Supplied)

Founded by the Wytons’ friends, Jonathan and Tracey Heppner, Hope Renews assists refugees who have fled to the Mediterranean island by providing them with food and teaching them sustainable farming practices.

The charity held a grand opening and ribbon cutting in September to celebrate its new office.

Blayne Wyton grew up in Edmonton and moved to Morden 25 years ago so he and Tara could be close to her family. Since then, he says, he’s always kept his head down and tried to do quality work with Prairie Barnwood.

Volunteer opportunities

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

he following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope needs volunteers who enjoy driving — and chatting. Volunteers in Winnipeg transport people who need help getting to and from life-saving cancer treatments and other appointments. Mileage reimbursement or a tax receipt is provided. Go to wfp.to/iJ8 and select Winnipeg for more information, or email volunteer@cancer.ca by Nov. 30.

B’nai Brith Canada needs a social-media volunteer for its Kavod Thrift Store. Responsibilities include creating engaging content for Instagram and Facebook, promoting the store’s pages, and collaborating with staff members and volunteers. Candidates should be skilled in graphic design tools such as Adobe and Canva and have experience in social-media advertising and content creation. The role offers skills in graphic design, teamwork, communication and time management, which are beneficial for future career paths. Apply online at wfp.to/iXf, or to AvivaT@bnaibrith.ca and NoaK@bnaibrith.ca, by Nov. 30.

Winnipeg Children’s Access Agency, a non-profit organization that facilitates contact between children and their parents when there has been evidence of interpersonal violence, needs visitation monitors. Volunteers will supervise and document visits, intervening when necessary. A variety of training sessions will be provided before volunteers supervise a family on their own. Apply at wfp.to/iXs by Dec. 15.

Osteoporosis Canada seeks presenters/facilitators for educational programs on osteoporosis and bone health delivered via virtual platforms such as Zoom. Responsibilities include virtual presentations, leading support groups, and engaging in outreach and program development. Ideal candidates should have a health or fitness background, strong interpersonal skills and empathy for health issues, along with proficiency in virtual platforms. The opportunity is suitable for retired health-care professionals and fitness leaders, requiring a commitment of four to six hours per month, with flexible scheduling. Apply at wfp.to/iXK by Dec. 31.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, in collaboration with the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, is seeking volunteers for a community partner program called the Tune-Up Café, happening biweekly on Tuesday evenings. People living with early to moderate signs of brain change or dementia and their care partners can meet, sing and have coffee together. Volunteers engage socially with program participants, assist with the setup and cleanup, and offer help to participants if needed. No music or singing skills are needed to join. Email sierradueck@alzheimer.mb.ca by March 1.

The Town of Beausejour’s active transportation committee needs a social-media co-ordinator. This role involves attending about one daytime meeting per month, working with the committee to create content, and keeping social-media platforms up to date. Email mallory@townofbeausejour.com or rondeau@mymts.net by Nov. 30.

The Jewish Child & Family Service’s settlement and integration program needs drivers to help with transporting clients from their homes to various programs throughout the city. These clients, primarily older adults, are eager to engage with others and explore new experiences. Volunteers should be committed to ensuring clients safely reach their destinations and be open to connecting with them with patience, care and compassion. Volunteers must have a valid licence, a driver’s abstract and flexible availability. Programs run on weekdays mornings and afternoons, and on some weekends. Apply at wfp.to/iXz or msenden@jcfswinnipeg.org by Dec. 17.

The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@RedCross.ca by Dec. 31.

A & O: Support Services for Older Adults needs volunteers to provide companionship to older adults in the downtown, Seven Oaks, St. James, Elmwood and River East areas through its Connect Program. Volunteers must enjoy conversation and have strong conversational and interpersonal skills. They must commit to at least one hour a week in the morning, afternoon or evening. Apply at volunteer@aosupportservices.ca or 204-956-6440 by Dec. 31.

When around 50 showed up for the grand opening, including business leaders and local politicians, Wyton realized the impact he and his wife have had since they started championing Hope Renews.

“It was just really encouraging, that response,” he says. “I think that the goal is (figuring out) what can I do for my community? What can I do for my country? What can I do for the world? What can I do that touches somebody that can’t help me back?”

Answering those questions has led the Heppners on a nearly 30-year journey of humanitarian work in Canada, southeast Asia and now Greece.

Jonathan Heppner’s family has roots in Lowe Farm and Plum Coulee but grew up in the Philippines, where his parents were missionaries. Tracey, who is cousins with Blayne Wyton, grew up in Alberta.

The couple were wrapping up nearly two decades of working with the poor in Metropolitan Manila when Tracey, who runs a travel company on the side, discovered Lesbos.

The 2015 European migrant crisis was in full swing and refugees of the Syrian Civil War were arriving on the island in multiple vessels daily. Seeing the needs in the area inspired Tracey, and by 2018 she and Jonathan had moved to the island and started their work.

Jonathan Heppner (centre-left) and Blayne Wyton (centre-right) cut the ribbon at the September grand opening of the Hope Renews office in Morden.  (Supplied)
Jonathan Heppner (centre-left) and Blayne Wyton (centre-right) cut the ribbon at the September grand opening of the Hope Renews office in Morden. (Supplied)

Initially, the couple worked alongside other humanitarian organizations and filled gaps by handing out clothing, setting up mobile showers and facilitating medical care.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the island, a friend suggested they use their free time to plant a garden. Soon after Jonathan was obsessively researching sustainable farming practices. The Heppners applied what they learned to increase the garden’s footprint, which now takes up two and a half-acres that they rent.

In the last three years, Hope Renews has given away nearly 4,000 kilograms of fresh vegetables to refugees, local families, seniors homes and organizations working with people with disabilities.

Now, Hope Renews is purchasing an 80-acre parcel of land where they will expand the organization’s operations. The Heppners and their small staff will continue to grow food while providing hands-on training in regenerative agriculture.

Participants help with day-to-day tasks such as planting, harvesting, composting and soil management to develop practical skills that they can use in their own communities.

Prairie Barnwood founder and Hope Renews vice-president Blayne Wyton (left), Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert (centre) and Hope Renews founder and president Jonathan Heppner, pictured in September at the grand opening of the Hope Renews office.  (Supplied)
Prairie Barnwood founder and Hope Renews vice-president Blayne Wyton (left), Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert (centre) and Hope Renews founder and president Jonathan Heppner, pictured in September at the grand opening of the Hope Renews office. (Supplied)

The Heppners believe that hope has the power to heal. Their hope is to care for the land and the people they encounter.

“(Food) brings us together,” Jonathan Heppner said. “The table is the place where everything changes or can change.”

With an annual budget of $180,000, Hope Renews is supporting and impacting more than 250 people each year — and the Heppners are proud that the charity has a home in Morden, a community where people know a thing or two about agriculture.

To learn more about making a donation or volunteering with the organization, visit hoperenewsinc.ca.

If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.

Aaron Epp

Aaron Epp
Reporter

Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.

Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.

Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Business

LOAD MORE