A man using his faith to better a community.
Eric Haverkamp is one of the founders of Church Out Serving in Norfolk, putting his religious beliefs to work in the County by helping as many people as possible.
Since it’s inception 10 years ago, they have slowly added projects to their repertoire, building up an impressive list of unique ways they are giving back.
From growing food for those in need with their Community Gardens to opening up a laundromat in Simcoe, they are searching for gaps in the system where they can fill in.
While the group may be church driven it isn’t exclusive to the church.
Their supports and programs are open to anyone- perhaps the biggest example being their We Believe in Simcoe Day.
The whole community is welcome to attend the family fun event, which features free food, bouncy castles, and a huge fireworks display.
The goal is simple – highlight all the good things in our community.
Before this takes place though, more quietly, a smaller event is held for people in need in our community.
This smaller We Believe in Simcoe event sees free food and services put under one roof.
This allows families to get haircuts and other essentials completed while stocking up on food, which they may not be able to afford.
Before Church Out Serving, Haverkamp was in the banking game, travelling around
the province before he turned his eye to farming in the area.
Retiring from farming a few years ago, Haverkamp now focuses on Church Out Serving and helping the community.
He says when they started, they looked at what was doing well and what wasn’t being done in the community, which helped shine a light on numerous wonderful services running in our area.
His full interview can be found below: