Makiko, a parishioner at Holy Cross Parish, in Burnaby recalls, “ It was on Friday, March 27, after I read the article in the BC Catholic https://bccatholic.ca/news/catholic-van/pray-for-homeless-forced-from-shelters-by-covid-19-hostel-head I saw Sister Chita’s loving genuine smile disappearing, and that made my heart ache. I met Sister Chita and Frances, the DIO co-managers, in 2017 Read more…
We are very touched and grateful for the support of our schools! We let the press release from STA speak for itself: Generosity Abounds on the North Shore During the COVID-19 Crisis A record number of sandwiches and baked goods were donated by the St. Thomas Aquinas School and Alumni Read more…
I feel fortunate to have been able to continue, as part of a small group of staff and volunteers, to assist in the efforts at the Door is Open during this most challenging time. We want everyone to know that we have been, and will continue to, take many precautions Read more…
It does not matter if you are serving indoors or outdoors because when you are called to serve in the Downtown Eastside you cannot completely sever the ties with those whom you serve. A warm welcoming smile still accompanies the “Hi” and “Hello”, answering an invitation to help old men Read more…
Carrie Underwood’s 2005 hit “Jesus Take the Wheel” immediately came to mind when I was asked to write a Reflection on my experience as a volunteer at The Door is Open. I’ve been working in the kitchen for almost eight years, organizing, prepping and serving meals to our women’s program Read more…
I have been volunteering at the Door Is Open since one morning in October of 2012 when my friend, Alice, and I walked into the facility and met with the manager, Julia Ruggier. Her eyes lit up, because two of their long-standing Wednesday volunteers had recently moved away and retired. Read more…
When I first started volunteering at the Door is Open, my regular Wednesday mornings quickly became something I looked forward to. The community that was created in the art room was strong and flavoured with everyone’s unique styles. Something I particularly enjoyed was when I would bring in a project for that day Read more…
Matthew 8:20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” It is a blessing to be part of the Downtown Eastside Community and I truly believe it is God’s grace that Read more…
From the time that the CWL was established at St. Joseph the Worker Parish five years ago, its members knew that its works of charity would extend beyond the Year of Mercy. Their desire to serve the most vulnerable in our city led them to The Door is Open. This Read more…
Yoshi was always interested in volunteering in the Downtown Eastside, and when she moved into the neighbourhood a few years ago, she took the opportunity to research charities where she would be able to help. Because she feels that food is a fundamental necessity, she knew that she wanted to Read more…