Niagara Warehouse of Hope volunteers meet regularly to sort donated clothing for shipment to developing countries. The garments are divided into categories: winter wear, hospital, infant, and general. Ragged or otherwise unsuitable garments are sent to a local recycler.

Founded in 1989 by St. Catharines resident Ted van der Zalm Sr., the Niagara Warehouse ofHope was created as a way to share our wealth with the poorest of the poor. The "warehouse" itself was a community sharing project - with suppliers, builders and tradesmen pooling their talents to erect and complete the building over one weekend.

The Niagara Warehouse of Hope is staffed completely by volunteers (more than 100) who bring to their mission a wide variety of talents and ideas.

A board of 12 directors, of whom the current president is Mary G. van der Zalm, governs the Niagara Warehouse of Hope.

The Niagara Warehouse of Hope depends financially on the generosity of area organizations, churches, schools and individuals. Friends of the NWOH organize golf tournaments, choir performances, games nights and such and donate the proceeds to the Warehouse. The Warehouse holds a giant garage sale, bazaar and bake sale in spring and fall to raise funds for its operations. Area hospitals and schools donate furnishings, equipment and supplies for shipment to their needy counterparts in poor countries. Local businesses often donate, or sell at a reduced cost, such requested items as lumber, implements, construction equipment, dishes, fabrics - whatever is required - both for shipment and for Warehouse operations here at home. Transportation of the containers from the warehouse to the Toronto departure point is also donated.