The Montérégie West Community Network (MWCN) Vaudreuil-Soulanges is the first satellite office of our Chateauguay Head Office, serving the MRC of Vaudreuil-Soulanges representing 23 cities. We are Located at 91 -5th Ave, suite 204 in Pincourt.
On December 10, 2019, we had the pleasure of hosting our ‘Open House’, which was quite a night to remember! A major snowstorm hit us with wind gusts causing havoc to all who dared to venture out on the roads that evening. Nevertheless we had 35 community members attend along with some leaders from the area and also our funders from Quebec City.
Who is MWCN and what does our organization do? Well, if you have been reading our previous weekly articles, you’ll know that we are the Montérégie West Community Network, a non profit organization, and that we are involved in a variety of things within our community.
First, our mission is to provide resources in Health, Education, Social services through partnerships for our 88,000 English speaking residents. We are constantly working diligently on developing a strong and vibrant community.
Second, we do our utmost to address the many needs of our community, making sure that no one is being neglected, forgotten, left out or isolated, especially during this time of COVID-19.
September marks the sixth month that we have been experiencing this pandemic and its not fun!
Some of us are easily breezing through this time, while others are feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and fearful. No one is even sure what the ‘New Normal’ will be like. But that’s ok, we are all going through this together and all emotions are understandingly justified. This is why a Community Network is so important to its residents.
Since the start of the pandemic, MWCN has been making phone calls, sending weekly check-ins via email, continuing our monthly newsletter, and visiting seniors with care packages. We were also able to create some fun with a ‘Rainbow Basket’ draw to increase interest in our organization.
Now, with this pandemic, ZOOM activities, meetings and Webinars became the ‘new normal’.
Once restrictions were loosened up in June, we ventured out by initiating a walking group titled ‘Trotting Tuesdays’, started an outdoor fitness class with senior homes and recently enjoyed an outing to Champs de Rêves (Lavender Fields) in Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Our office was also fortunate to have 2 summer students with us this year. Not only were they able to help create a large scale ‘Directory’ of provincial organizations that offered their services in English, but they created an initiative that provided meals to vulnerable seniors while ‘Meals on Wheels’ suspended their services. They also organized many youth activities that helped our summer day camps in Rigaud and Pincourt. This kept the children busy, while giving parents well-needed time-off.
Having previously worked in the Banking Industry, I had no idea what a Community Network was about. I can honestly say that I have never felt prouder, nor have I experienced such rewarding work! If you have a community network in your neighborhood or an organization that you love what they do and what they represent, I strongly suggest you start by volunteering. I guarantee you will be rewarded in ways you cannot imagine!
It should be noted that all our inspiration comes from our Executive Director, Pauline Wiedow, who has worked tirelessly for many years, enhancing the lives of so many.
Lorie Marcotte, Coordinator of Community Development
