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Our Door is Open

In the heart of Hamilton, live the poor and the marginalized. Many struggling with addiction and illness. Often homeless and helpless, with so many doors closed to them.  There is one Door that is open, that welcomes them and feeds them hope. That is the De Mazenod Door, an Outreach program that provides food for the hungry and drink for the thirsty, 365 days a year.

Embracing Our Community

Guests coming to the De Mazenod Door are treated with dignity and respect.  It is our goal that every single visitor to our door walks away with a true sense of community.    

Living Our Faith

Our ministry is solely supported through the generosity of people who want to make a difference in the lives of the poor and marginalized in our city. Donations are welcome!  

MAKE A DONATION

OFFICIAL OPENING

Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, was on hand to officially offer his blessings on the opening of the Door in 2016.

 

PREPARING LUNCH

Volunteers and staff prepare a variety of hearty home-cooked meals daily.  What is served depends wholly on the generous support of our donors and sponsors.

 

OUR GUESTS ARRIVE

Guests line up for breakfast and coffee, then again for a hot nutritious lunch.                                                              

We're here for you!

Opening Doors

Our Purpose Statement

Through loving compassion and faith in action, De Mazenod Door Outreach serves to improve and empower the lives of the poor and marginalized in Hamilton.

By providing food, housing, education, social supports and life skills development, we foster dignity, personal growth and hope for a better future.

We work to provide a safe, inclusive environment for our guests, staff, volunteers, community partners and supporters, instilling a sense of community and belonging, where all are welcome and valued, and no one is turned away.

Friday isn’t just the typical last day of the work week at St. Patrick Parish. Nope. Not at all. It’s a very special day, indeed.

It's BBQ Friday!

Instead of a hot lunch at the De Mazenod Door Outreach, every Friday, 52 weeks a year, regardless of the weather (rain, shine or foot of snow), guests line up down the street and around the corner for a wonderful Oldies music-filled outdoor BBQ! Each guest receives a hot dog, hamburger, bag of potato chips and a drink while singing and swaying to the music. Volunteers, the Parish Team - and sometimes even our BBQ sponsors - join together to set up, prepare and serve the hungry. Who can resist the smell of BBQ, especially in the dead of winter or on a beautiful sunny summer day? Groups, classes or families are always welcome to Volunteer.

BBQ Friday is a day to break up the normalcy of the week, which for many of those we serve can sometimes be a tedious and lonely time. Nothing breaks the monotony like a St. Pat’s BBQ Friday!

With ever growing numbers of poor and marginalized coming for lunch, the BBQs require sponsorship. Many of the donors who sponsor a BBQ do so in memory of a lost loved one or to remember or honour a birthday, anniversary or special occasion. Each BBQ requires a sponsorship of $1500.00.

If you would like more information about BBQ sponsorship, please call the Parish office at 905-522-9828 or email donate@demazenod-door.ca for follow-up. If you wish to be a sponsor, simply click the link below.

What a thoughtful way to celebrate someone you love, by doing something 'they' love.

Sponsor a BBQ

Can You Help?

  • There are many ways you can help feed people who are hungry and homeless in Hamilton. One way is to sponsor a meal, and come: Healthy Monday, Pizza Tuesday, BBQ Friday or any day of the week! Individuals, families, groups, teams or businesses are welcome as Sponsors. Please contact us for more information: 905-522-9828 or volunteer@demazenod-door.ca
JANUARY-DECEMBER
2024
MEALS SERVED
0
VOLUNTEER HOURS
0

WEEKLY NEEDS FOR THE DOOR

  • Juice Crystals
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Caffeinated Ground Coffee (such as Folgers)
  • Coffee-mate Coffee Whitener
  • Individual sugar packets
  • Individual sweetener packets
  • Dry Cereal (Cheerios is preferred)
  • Canned Beans
  • Instant Oatmeal
  • Any dried fruit
  • Raisins

Thank you to our amazing community partners and sponsors!

  • Your generosity and support means the world to us!  What wonderful things we can achieve when we work together as a community toward a common purpose... the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in need.  Thank you!
  • OUR MOST WANTED ITEMS ARE CHIPS/POPCORN & SOUP BROTH! ZIPLOC SANDWICH BAGS, HOT CHOCOLATE, COFFEE & COFFEE WHITENER ARE ALWAYS NEEDED!
I'd like to help!

In Their Own Words...

  • “I moved to Hamilton from Buffalo, N.Y. last year and although I had difficulties finding work, the Door has helped keep my stomach from being empty, my motivation and spirits high, and my hope and faith in the goodness of mankind is alive and well!”

    “
    Mario
    DeMazenod Door Guest

  • “Thank you for the kindness and generosity and the donation of time and energy to serve us supper.”

    “
    J. Vacola
    DeMazenod Door Guest

  • “I’m positive the strength of my gratitude is felt by us all. I love you people. You have helped me so much. There is very little I wouldn’t do for you.”

    “
    Anonymous

  • Hi, we’re Sophia (11) and Jamie (9). We live in Oakville. Our Mom went to St. Pat’s School over 30 years ago. When we found out that we could help serve a beautiful Christmas meal to those in need we wanted to participate as well. Our Uncle and his girlfriend were also serving meals. We asked for tables side by side so we could work as a family. We learned never to waste food because the less fortunate sometimes don’t have anything to eat at all. The guests at our table were so friendly, kind and happy to be there. We were happy to be there as well and the food was really yummy! It was such a nice environment with people laughing, hugging, and there was even a harpist playing there. We would LOVE to come back and serve again! It was an awesome experience! Thank you for letting us share in this special occasion.”

    “
    Sophia & Jamie
    Volunteers

With Special Thanks...

We are extremely grateful to Mr. Pat Daly, Chair of the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board, and to Sue Verrelli, past principal of St. Patrick School, who was on board with the idea from the first time she heard it. This new partnership formed between our church and the school opens the door for many more opportunities down the road. God Answers Prayers in Concrete Acts of Mercy:  This ministry is made possible by many, many prayers and God opening and blessing the hearts of the generosity of people.
St. Patrick Parish