Welland Jackfish Announces Premier Charity Partnership

WELLAND – The Welland Jackfish, members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) today announced that Open Arms Mission Welland will be the premier charity partner for the Jackfish for the 2021 season.

“The Jackfish are extremely happy about this opportunity to partner with an organization that does so much for the City of Welland and surrounding areas,” said Jackfish President and CEO Ryan Harrison. “The goal of the Jackfish is to really give back to the community and we feel this partnership will really allow us to do just that.”

In the mid-1980s a small group of Christian men began talking about what could be done to help people in need in our city. They stepped out in faith, naming their work, Open Arms Mission, incorporated as a charity, purchased a building, and began helping people in crisis.  In early 1987, a Director was hired and the hours of operation increased. In those early years, our food bank served approximately 80 families each month. Now, Open Arms Mission serves hundreds of households a month, providing fresh, healthy food and opportunities for connection and community. Open Arms Mission is continually striving to break down barriers to access to healthy food and innovating new ways of making sure that no one in our community goes hungry.

Marty Misener, Executive Director of Open Arms Mission said, "Open Arms Mission is thankful that we have been chosen by the Welland Jackfish as their Charity of Choice for 2021. Community partnerships like this demonstrate their commitment to the Welland community. There are many people who are in need of food. This partnership will help raise money as well as awareness through the various events they will host. We are thankful for their partnership."

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s top baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @wellandjackfish.