At Mass, prelate calls The Door is Open a ‘remarkable place where the face of Jesus is seen’
The B.C. Catholic
Volunteers who dish up meals to the poor in the Downtown Eastside recently received a special feast of their own.
Workers at The Door Is Open were thanked for years of service Dec. 16, one week before preparing a big Christmas spread for Vancouver’s less fortunate.
“We are here to thank the Lord for all those who lend their hands to the great work of The Door Is Open,” said Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, during Mass with the volunteers before the thank-you lunch.
The drop-in centre, which serves up 400-500 free meals a day, is a “remarkable place of caring where the face of Jesus is seen in the faces of the homeless and those who are served.”
The archbishop praised the volunteers for putting their faith into action and providing the kind of hands-on witness Pope Francis has been encouraging. “The Gospel is proclaimed by actions.”
The dining hall was decorated with lights, ornaments, and a Christmas tree as those who serve were, for once, served. Carmelite sisters serenaded the group with Christmas carols.
Among about 60 volunteers were Jackie Ciampi and Alice Uy of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. They both started lending a hand at The Door Is Open four years ago.
“We feel like we’re so fortunate. We’re able to provide for our families and we’re blessed in what we have. So if we have a bit of extra time, we like to help out,” said Ciampi.
Both women are full-time moms. On Wednesday afternoons, while their children are in school, they come out to serve meals and make crafts during the Women’s Wednesday program.
“To see how thankful and how grateful they are, it’s a great feeling,” Ciampi said.
Uy brings her family to the drop-in centre once a month to give her children an opportunity to give back, and a lesson in the importance of service. “It’s great to show the kids what we are doing.”
Ciampi invites her sons to volunteer once in a while, too. “It’s a good way for them to learn they are really fortunate and there are so many people out there who are less fortunate than them.”
Longtime volunteer Lorie Khu feels helping out is in her nature. “From an early age I was always willing to do whatever He wants me to do,” she said, pointing toward the heavens.
Khu has been volunteering her time to various non-profits for 29 years. She started reaching out to disabled children, the sick, and the elderly while living in Calgary. Now her efforts are focused on the needy in Vancouver.
“I don’t like what’s happening on East Hastings. I cry.” For the last 17 years, Khu has been serving meals at The Door Is Open. She also lends a hand at the Inland Refugee Society.
It’s her faith that keeps her going. “I just ask Him what He wants me to do every morning, every night,” she said.
“I say: ‘Sorry, my Lord. I don’t want to bother You. Just give me wisdom, give me strength, and give me love.”
