Communities across Canada will be missing a personal welcome for new residents in the future following an announcement by Welcome Wagon Canada they will be closing the business.

Welcome Wagon, which has been a fixture in Canadian communities since 1930, is folding after suffering a severe blow as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization suspended its operation in March because it was unsafe to continue the home visits that were the core of what they did, forcing Pat Neuman, president, and CEO, to announce Welcome Wagon Canada’s permanent closure, calling it “heartbreaking".

"This decision did not come easily, and was a very difficult choice to make," she said in a statement. "We tried every possible solution to try and keep Welcome Wagon functioning through the pandemic, but our efforts were not enough," said Neuman.

Spanning 90 years in communities across Canada Welcome Wagon representatives would contact new arrivals and present information of businesses and recreational activities in the local community. Visits included a basket full of information, resources, free gifts, and gift cards from sponsoring local businesses.

Without being able to do the visits and with the majority of the businesses Welcome Wagon relied on as partners and sponsors closed, there was no choice but to declare bankruptcy and close permanently, according to Neuman.

Here in Okotoks Adele Mundell was that cheerful face for the past 30 years and she was surprised by the notice of the closure.

"I just opened up my email and there it was!" exclaimed Mundell. "Effective May 4th, it was a heartbreaking decision to close Welcome Wagon," said Mundell.

Mundell expressed dismay at the announcement as she loves meeting new people in the community and she feels the personal engagement for those entering a community for the first time will be missed.

"This decision has been very overwhelming and difficult to make and the head office in Toronto tried every possible solution to keep the business afloat but with this COVID-19 the Welcome Wagon just could not stay running," explained Mundell.

The opportunity to provide a warm welcome and a basket of goodies offered to all new residents in Okotoks will be sadly missed by Mundell who said she has many fond memories from her years as the Welcome Wagon representative in our community.

"I've enjoyed all these years because I just like to help people and let them know about our fabulous town and our services." she adds, "I've always kept saying 'shop local' and I will still promote Okotoks," said Mundell.

Over the years Mundell estimates she met 500 to 600 people per year coming into the community and she always enjoys running into people later to say hello and reminisce about when they first came to the area.

Mundell expressed gratitude for the multitude of businesses and community members that have helped support her efforts over the years.

It is possible that Okotoks has not seen the last of Adele Mundell as she hinted at a plan for the future.

"There is something possible in the works." she said, adding, "I'm not gonna say too much, but I especially just want to keep working with my sponsors and community, but I'm working on something," explained Mundell.