February 24, 2010
Another Boilermaker Volunteer
Jean-Marie Nadeau, a retired member of Lodge 128, and his wife Florence, have been helping to provide food, shelter and clothing to people in need for the last 6 years. Jean-Marie and Florence's first step into volunteering was to work with the Disaster Response Service (DRS) based in Grand Rapids Michigan by the Christian Reformed Church in North America. DRS clear debris, assess needs and rebuild homes after natural disasters. Since then, their volunteer work has taken them to Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas helping numerous families rebuild their homes.
Jean-Marie & Florence Nadeau with orphans at the March Orphanage in Alapulco, Mexico
In 2005, the Nadeaus were introduced to the Marsh Orphanage in Acapulco, Mexico. The orphanage houses up to 80 children ranging in age from 6 to 18 in a motel on the Pacific Ocean donated by caring couple. Florence is a retired tailor; she teaches the children how to make their own clothes on seven sewing machines donated by their home church, Port Elgin Missionary Church. Jean-Marie's role is maintenance of the orphanage by the constant wear and tear caused by the wind and salt. The orphans do their laundry on two washing machines that were donated by Lodge 128.
Lodge 128 Business Manager Jim Watson donating t-shirts and hats for the orphans.
Besides volunteering their time and skills to the orphanage, the Nadeaus learned of and worked with the La Vina Church in Mazatlan, Mexico in 2006. This church has an extensive ministry to the poor providing food, water, shoes and medical care to the poorest in this city. They have several mobile kitchens that travel to the poorest regions of the city to distribute food and water. The church is also establishing other permanent locations where buildings have been erected to help the families learn about nutrition and work with each other to achieve the minimum level of nutrition. Since 2007, the Nadeaus have had a number of couples stay with them in their condo in Mazatlan who have volunteered several hours a day with the ministry of the church, followed by a relaxing afternoon on the beautiful beaches of Mazatlan. The work is never hard, but is incredibly fulfilling.
If you would like to join Jean-Marie and Florence Nadeau with either of these ministries, contact them at jmfnadeau@yahoo.com.