De Mazenod Farm, situated on a 19-acre property in rural Ancaster, Ontario, embodies the spirit of community, sustainability, and compassion. This initiative, part of the Diocese of Hamilton, began in the summer of 2020 with the goal of transforming idle land into a source of fresh produce and nourishment for the hungry in Hamilton.
The farm’s mission is to provide healthy, locally-grown food for those in need. Volunteers from all walks of life, including frontline workers with PTSD and guests of the De Mazenod Door Outreach, contribute to this mission. Their efforts have led to the cultivation of various vegetables and herbs, such as beans, peppers, potatoes, beets, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower.
In addition to the diverse crops, the farm is home to egg-laying chickens that produce fresh eggs for meals served to guests at the outreach program. The farm’s first harvest in 2021 marked the beginning of a continuous effort to supply the De Mazenod Door kitchen with ingredients for hearty soups, stews, and casseroles.
The farm is also home to friendly animals, including donkeys, miniature horses, goats, lambs, piglets, and others. These animals enrich the farm’s atmosphere and provide additional learning opportunities for visitors and volunteers, enhancing the overall mission of community engagement and support.
Moreover, the farm hosts a hive of bees, contributing to local honey production and offering educational insights into beekeeping. Future plans include a flower garden to decorate the church on special occasions and serene prayer spaces for visitors seeking solace in nature.
The farm’s produce not only supports the De Mazenod Door but is also shared with community partners like the Good Shepherd Centre and Hamilton Food Share, extending its impact beyond the immediate community.
De Mazenod Farm stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. It thrives on the generosity of donors and volunteers, proving that collective efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of the marginalized and hungry in Hamilton.
If you wish to visit or volunteer please contact our staff:
Farm Manager – Mark mmacaulay@stpatrickshamilton.ca
Barn Manager – Katarzyna kdymkowski@stpatrickshamilton.ca
Call directly to the farm (905) 522-9828 ext 9
🌾 Join us for the first major harvest of the year at #DeMazenodFarm! 🥬🫛 Your efforts will help bring fresh produce to the #DeMazenodDoor Kitchen. 🌟 To volunteer, contact Mark today! mmacaulay@stpatrickshamilton.ca Let’s make a difference together! 🌻 #Community pic.twitter.com/eN3BGzWJcP
— St. Patrick Parish Hamilton Ontario (@StPatsHamilton) July 30, 2024
Discover the charm of DeMazenod Farm with an unforgettable interactive experience alongside our beloved animals. Whether you’re a family seeking adventure or an animal enthusiast, this is your chance to get up close and personal with our farm residents.
Location: Demazenod Farm, 204 Glancaster Road, Ancaster, ON
Booking: Call the St. Pats office at (905) 522-9828 Ext 9 to schedule your tour.
Donation: We kindly request a donation of $20 per family or $5 per person to support the farm and our mission.
Come and enjoy a day filled with fun, learning, and the beauty of nature. Your support helps us continue to provide care for our animals and maintain our farm for future generations to enjoy.
