What began as a small gathering of five women on the eve of the COVID-19 lockdown has blossomed into a vital support hub for women in the Altona area. Robyn Sierks, Bertha Wiebe, and Nadine Klassen, co-founders of the Love Well Women’s Drop-In Centre, reflected on how it started.
“There were five of us women, and we got together and held a meeting with women in the community the day before the first lockdown in COVID,” Sierks says. “We rallied together and put together this drop-in centre. We found a place to rent next to Pizza Haven… and it just came all together.”
The motivation behind it was deeply personal. “God put on our hearts that we really needed to build relationships like it used to be… sitting down, having a cup of coffee together, building long and lasting relationships.”
Related stories:
- With heartfelt tributes and generous support, Morden celebrates new handi-van
- 'Just keep showing up': Morden student shares powerful lessons after meeting Premier
A safe place to belong
Nadine Klassen, also part of the founding team, says creating space for connection is more important than ever.
“I totally understood that because I'm more of an introvert than an extrovert, and I like my downtime,” Klassen says. “However, the importance of connecting with people is so important… being an outsider and finding a place to belong is huge.”
Klassen says the drop-in went from a slow start to a busy hub. “We were open and we barely had anybody showing up at the beginning,” she explains. “Now we’re averaging over 200 a month coming through our doors.”
Programs rooted in relationship
From bingo nights and Bible studies to crafts and birthday cake, the centre continues to expand. “On Thursday nights we had our craft nights, and Monday nights we had our bingos and our Bible study on Monday afternoons,” Sierks says. “It was just bursting.”
The group currently operates out of The Bergthaler Church on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays but hopes for a permanent home. “We would like to have something where we could be open seven days a week,” Sierks explains. “We have a lot of other programs we’d like to offer… we’d like to have a place that we could call home.”
Faith-based and open-hearted
Bertha Wiebe, a longtime volunteer, says the centre is rooted in Christian faith but welcomes women of all backgrounds.
“We’re all Christians, although we don’t preach at anybody,” Wiebe says. “You come the way you are. You are loved on regardless of who you are, what you are, what color your skin is. We really don’t care… all we want is to be loved, and we feel strongly that this is what we are called to do.”
She adds, “When a woman comes in, very often there's cheering going on… and we get lots of hugs. You want a hug, come over there—you’ll get hugs.”
No fees, just generosity
All the programming at Love Well is offered free of charge, made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and fundraising. “We have some wonderful private partners that support us monthly,” Klassen says. “People donate craft supplies, baking, coffee… there are always ways to help us out.”
“We are known for baking in town. Our bake sales are primo,” Sierks adds. “Our last bake sale—we sold out before 3:00!”
Sierks says accessibility is key. “A cup of coffee and a piece of cake—that’s $10 in a restaurant… we offer it for free. It’s about building relationships.”
How to support Love Well
Though not yet a registered nonprofit, Love Well continues to receive support from individuals moved by its mission. “We have a lot of people that just like to give love offerings,” Sierks says.
Supporters can send e-transfers to lovewelldropin@gmail.com, or bring donations in person—whether baking, coffee, craft supplies, or financial gifts.
Wiebe adds, “People come to me and say, ‘I have a whole bunch of craft items. Do you want them?’ I say, ‘Yes!’ If you’ve got leftover craft items at home… we’ll do something with them.”
Love in action
With the help of 12 committed volunteers, the centre continues to grow its impact.
“We are very blessed at the drop-in,” Sierks says. “Our volunteers are just so wonderful. They give so selflessly.”
She reflects on the work being done each week in the space. “You’re planting seeds, and it’s blooming.”
Lovewell Drop-In Centre – We love others well.
.