A Day at Shepherds
Have you ever wondered about all that happens at Shepherds of Good Hope during a typical day? We do so much more than operate a soup kitchen. Have a look at all the good we do in the community from sun up until sun down and see why what we do is #BeyondASoupKitchen
Photos by Chris O’Gorman
6:30am – The Soup Kitchen
Each morning, a group of early-risers get to our Soup Kitchen by 6:30 am to make breakfast for our clients. Brock volunteers twice per week and says he likes helping people who sometimes “don’t receive as much compassion as they should.” “We all find our own ways of giving back. This is mine”
9:00am – The Shelter
Chris has been working at Shepherds of Good Hope “on and off” since 1984, when we first moved from the basement of St. Brigid’s. Doing laundry from our shelter is a huge job, but Chris doesn’t mind it. “I like to help the homeless,” he says.
10:00am – The Clothing Program
By 10am, our clothing program is open. Sas says she loves volunteering and inspiring confidence. “Some come in with no shoes on, or they need a suit for a job interview, or something for court,” she says. “The need is certainly there.”
11:45am – The Soup Kitchen
It’s nearly noon and time for lunch in the Soup Kitchen. Irene has been a volunteer since 1987. She never knew anyone who was poor growing up, but her spirituality and beliefs led her to feed the hungry. 30 years on, she’s still volunteering!
1:00pm – The Foundation
The Foundation is our fundraising arm responsible for everything from donations and grants, to events and communications. You might know Trina, our Donor Relations Manager, if you’ve called us to donate. “I like working here because our clients are someone’s parent, their sibling, or their child. We can care when someone’s family is no longer able to,” she says. “It’s about having empathy.”
1:30pm – The Oaks
It’s 1:30 pm at the Oaks, which means it’s time for a pour. This supportive living facility contains our Managed Alcohol Program and helps chronic alcoholics by giving them a measured dose of alcohol each hour – called “The Pour”. Peter is one such resident.
2:00pm – The Cube Van
During the week, our cube van delivers food for our Soup Kitchen and Grocery Program and Gord from our Support Services team collects it with a smile! The delivery has to sustain our kitchen for roughly 800 individual meals each day!
3:00pm – Hope Garden
Hope Garden, our volunteer-run community garden grows fresh food for our many programs. “I love to do it,” Karl, a longtime volunteer says while tending tomatoes. “You meet a lot of great people and, well, it gives you that fuzzy feeling.”
4:00pm – St. Andrew’s Residence
As the day winds down and evening begins, clients at St. Andrew’s Residence like Tereza gather for Supper Club. Once a week, residents chop veggies and help fire up the BBQ while learning cooking skills — all while having a good time!
4:30pm – End of the Day
There’s a small selection of what goes on at Shepherds of Good Hope in a day. We couldn’t do all the good we do in the community without supporters like you, so thank you!