Milk bag mats donated to The Reapers of Hope

A group of 11 ladies meet weekly at St. Paul’s United Church, to reduce, reuse and recycle for an environmental and humanitarian purpose For the last decade, volunteers at the local church have successfully woven 440 mats that are dispersed to countries in need around the world, such as Haiti, Africa and the Philippines. The mats are made from non-biodegradable plastic milk bags, which are UV resistant, washable and surprisingly soft and comfortable To make a mat, donated milk bags are flattened out, cut in half and carefully looped together and woven on a loom It takes 325 milk bags to make a youth-sized mat and 380 bags for an adult-sized one. One group member, Delanie Hopkins, has found a unique way to incorporate designs into the mats to mimic a quilt When they are completed, the mats are donated to The Reapers of Hope project in Moorefild, Ontario (Christian Aid Ministries Canada) Pictured above are Maddie Howat and Grace Wilson. The church recently put a call out for more milk bags as the group is running low on supply. You can arrange to drop your milk bags off at St Paul’s United Church on Sunday mornings at 11 am or Wednesday mornings between 9 am and 11 am.

Submitted Photo

St. Paul’s Church fundraising for a new roof

Parishioners at St. Paul’s Church in Paris are reaching out to the community for help to fundraise for a new roof for the historic facility.

Built in 1888 as the original home to the Methodist congregation, this building has 135 years of history within its walls.

The congregation operates entirely on donations so to help come up with the funds for this major roof repair, they are asking people to donate clothes, household textiles, small household goods, toys, electronics, (no furniture), etc. The last day of collection will be June 3rd

If you’d like to donate used goods or make a financial contribution to this historic building, reach out via email to

Stpaulsparis_treasure@rogers.com

Are you aware of the indicators of human trafficking?

OPP hosting anti-human trafficking awareness night in Simcoe May 31

(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) -

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment along with the OPP Anti-Human Trafficking Unit have partnered with the Holy Trinity Catholic High School and is offering a FREE AntiTrafficking Awareness Night for everyone in our community. The OPP is encouraging parents and caregivers along with the members of the public to learn the indicators of human trafficking.

Across Ontario, more and more victims are being recruited from small towns and lured with promises of love and a "better life " Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons for the purposes of exploitation, typically in the sex industry or for forced labour.

The indicators of human trafficking are not always obvious. Although the presence of one indicator does not necessarily identify human trafficking, a variety of indicators may point to the fact that an individual is being trafficked and needs help

Please join the OPP and other community partners on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 6:00 p.m., to 8:00 p.m., at the Holy Trinity Catholic High School, located at 128 Evergreen Hill Road in Simcoe.

This FREE awareness night is OPEN to the public. Due to the subject matter, parents and caregivers are asked to refrain from bringing children under 12 years of age to the information night due to the subject matter. Attendees will also be able to connect with local groups or organizations, for information, resources, and services available in the community.

Anyone requesting further information, can contact the Norfolk County OPP Detachment at 519-426-3434, Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.