There are so many organizations in London that help others it's easy to imagine that they were always there or that the government created them. In truth, when you research many helping organizations it was almost always a handful of people who got the work off its feet.
Since moving to London I've always been fascinated with Mission Services. I had never heard of them before and yet they had addiction services, a homeless and rehabilitation centre, a thrift store, a home for women and families and so much more. If we had a few extra dollars we liked to donate to them especially through the innovative "Scan Away Hunger Program." They seemed to make small gifts go a long way. They also seemed to give extra attention to those who lived with mental illness.
Alvin Roth - Founder of Mission Services
I took a look into the founders of Mission Services, Madeline and Alvin Roth and found quite a story. These were two people of Mennonite roots from Southwestern Ontario with a vision and a heart for people. They managed to start "The Goodwill Rescue Mission" opened its doors in London in 1951 with money earned from farming a parcel of land. They also drew upon a great deal of personal learning and preparation for the difficult task they took on.
