A local connection with global impact
When Ellen Gleich was a child, the idea of helping people in need meant travelling to far-flung locales to serve as a missionary.
"I remember seeing the TV ads for UNICEF and a stirring desire to serve those in need began to take root. Little did I know that when I grew up I would be in the very same town where I saw the ad, working to help enrich those same lives."
Gleich grew up in Lundar, Manitoba, a small town two hours north of Winnipeg in the Interlake Region, between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba. The area has a rich Icelandic heritage and with it a significant Lutheran community. Lundar serves as a regional hub for fishing, tourism and agriculture, the local economic drivers. Thanks to Gleich, residents are also helping to drive local economies thousands of kilometres away.
Last September, Gleich opened the doors to Lundar's newest boutique shop, Daisy Lane Gifts. It's a long way from her dreams of being a missionary as a ten-year-old.
"What's more surprising is discovering my talents were being cultivated for just such a ministry all along," she says.
The idea behind Daisy Lane Gifts blossomed through Gleich's involvement at Lundar Lutheran Church and in her Evangelical Lutheran Women's group. The women first became involved in CLWR's We Care program, in which quilts and kits are sent overseas to people in need. Their involvement with CLWR grew when they decided to host a Four Corners consignment sale in conjunction with the visit of an Icelandic pastor.
The response was excellent and so Gleich extended the sale to the Lundar Personal Care Home, where she works as a nurse. After a couple more sales, the idea of opening a store presented itself in the form of a vacant tourism office. In exchange for painting it up, Gleich was able to secure the public building rent and hydro free until year-end. It was the perfect opportunity for a trial run.
"We can postpone our dreams because we want to make sure we are financially secure or that we have our lives in order," says Gleich. "I know that my life certainly hasn't become any less complex, but I also know that God's love brings clarity when the timing is right to move forward in faith."
Gleich, who still works five days a week at the care home, found the time to paint the store with the help of her husband Jim and daughter Vanessa, as well as random people who would show up "just when I needed them," says Gleich. The September weather proved perfect for the work.
Today, Vanessa volunteers seven days a week at the store and studies in-between customers. Daisy Lane Gifts supplements its Four Corners products, which are sold on consignment, with crafts from local artisans and woodwork from the high school. Fresh cinnamon buns and bread might also be part of the appeal for returning clientele. The store is run as a not-for-profit entity.
"This has been a great opportunity for both Vanessa and me to meet new people in our area and even reconnect with some familiar faces," Gleich says. "Both the human and physical resources have appeared, sometimes before I even acknowledge the need."
"People are excited to purchase beautifully made products and know that they can make an impact by supporting these talented artisans in other parts of the world. Some people are puzzled why we are doing this and not making any money," reflects Gleich. "I think our best motivation is in response to a great God who has blessed our lives here in this country, one of the best in the world, and given us the resources to help those in developing countries."
