September 15, 2012
Willowbrook Nurseries in Fenwick is well-known for its charity work helping the cancer fund with its special branded plants (see May 2012 edition of Landscape Ontario magazine).

Owner John Langendoen tells about the donated plant material and labour, along with corporate sponsorship to a number of community projects. But there are some noteworthy projects.

“We received a plaque in appreciation of donating plant material for a home built by Habitat for Humanity in 2010, and we are currently involved with another project in donating plant material for a home built by Wells of Hope,” says Langendoen.

Willowbrook has also received a certificate of appreciation from Pelham Communities in Bloom for donating plant material planted around a number of wooden hand carved signs installed all over the Pelham community, and a plaque from the Town of Pelham for supplying material to build an elaborate bandshell in celebration of Pelham’s 150 year anniversary.

“The best one yet!!!!” writes John Langendoen. “Our company and employees support a children’s ministry in Welland called Rose City Kids by mentoring positive and Christian values to over 400 kids in the City of Welland, through a fast-paced interactive program. A number of employees also volunteer their time to maintain the building.” This ministry was started by John Langendoen’s late wife Jocelyn and her friend Sonya Wierenga in 2008.