In November, 2018, Thorold individuals, business owners, congregations, politicians, firefighters and community leaders were inspired to unite, and work towards the common goal of improving their city, after sitting down to a simple breakfast.
Early that morning, they envisioned positive possibilities for Thorold, while listening to guest speaker Dr. Brian Beatty, a pastor, and the founder and owner of Leadership By Design Consulting Co., who’s also active in The International Transformation Network, which helps reshape struggling cities.
That uplifting event was the Thorold Community Leaders Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the members of One Church Thorold.
A new organization—called One Thorold—“was created and formed following the first prayer meeting just one year ago,” said Hilda Vanderklippe, an active member of both One Church Thorold and One Thorold.
“Since then," she told the Thorold News, "incredible changes have been happening.”
Made up of business, church, community, and political leaders, One Thorold has hosted monthly breakfast meetings throughout the past year, inviting marginalized groups to share their struggles, in an attempt to identify problem areas and find solutions.
As a result of those meetings, a city-wide food drive helped fill Community Care's shelves this year, and a job fair was held recently at Prince of Wales School.
According to Vanderklippe, “Fifteen people walked out of the job fair with jobs.” She added, “We plan on doing another one.”
OneThorold has also been working to secure more affordable housing within the city, pursuing partnerships with the City of Thorold and the Niagara Region. A subcommittee has been struck made up of Bill Vanderklippe, Terence Schilstra, James Symons, Garry Ford, and Coun. Fred Neale.
This year’s second annual Thorold Community Leaders Prayer Breakfast will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. at Club Capri, 36 Cleveland Street in Thorold.
Once again, it will be hosted by One Church Thorold, the group of Christian churches participating in the ongoing transformation of the city.
The buffet breakfast will feature guest speaker Pastor Beth Fellinger from St. Thomas, said Vanderklippe.
“She has really worked at building partnerships in the community, to help people thrive. She’s a dynamic speaker.”
“Anyone who has a heart for Thorold, and wants to see Thorold thrive,” is welcome to attend.
“Business owners, agencies, community groups, politicians and other community leaders are all working together,” she added. “It’s an exciting thing. We will end with a time of prayer for each of them.”
Live music at the event will be provided by the three young Gomez sisters.
Tickets cost $15, and are available online at www.evenbrite.ca or in person at Print Three, 15 Towpath St., or at St. John's Anglican Church, 12 Carleton St. South, Thorold.
