2015

ANNUAL REPORT

OPEN DOORS
DID YOU KNOW?

13,195

adults and children in

Burlington are living under
the Low Income Measure.

Some people find it hard to believe that there is need in Burlington. For over a decade ,
Open Doors has been meeting the needs of people who have fallen on hard times. Open
Doors believes that all neighbours have a role in building a resilient community. The doors
are open to everyone.

Almost 1 in 10 children live in households

that are under the Low Income Measure

What started as a way of supporting the community through a free clothing store and
resource center grew to include a community dinner. Now, Open Doors is a group of 15
volunteer-driven, outreach programs in three areas of service that work to make Burlington
a great place to live. Open Doors helps people with food, community resources, and
programs for seniors, parents, and youth.

OUR GOALS

Through Open Doors, people build relationships across

the diversity of income, education, age, ability and
health to enhance their capacity for meaningful lives.
1.

2.

3.

1.

Increase food security by removing barriers to

healthy, affordable, and local food.

Provide and link our community with resources such

as clothing , utility supports and other programs so
that they can stretch their household budgets to
better meet their basic needs.

Increase community health through educational and

hands on training programs for adults , youth and
children.

Increase impact by operating as a community hub

through the integration of other community services
operating at our location and programming as a one
stop shop model.

Open Doors is a community hub where many

programs, partnering organizations and events work
together to implement 15 programs across three
areas:

OUR WORK

Child, Youth & Parenting

Respite for children with special needs

Kids Club
Tweens Club
Calling All Parents
Active Tots-Preschool drop in

Community Food

Community Dinner
Youth Educational Community Garden
Seniors' Lunch
Halton Fresh Food Box Distribution
Community Kitchens
Pop Up Farm Markets
Open Doors Food Bank

Community Resources

Free Clothing Store

Christmas Program
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

Open Doors is a volunteer driven organization.

Over 437 volunteers put in 34,062 hours of work a year,
to make Open Doors and its 15 programs a reality

2015 HIGHLIGHTS

Child, Youth & Parenting

204

1,248

600

1,020

Children participated
in Respite program
for children with
special needs.

Youth and children

attended
afterschool
programs.

Toddlers and babies

attended Active
Tots Preschool
Drop In.

Parents & children

participated in
Calling All Parents
parenting program.

2473 Children and Adults

served by Food Bank

12500 Community members

shared meals at Open Doors

8 Community Kitchens
sessions

3200 Children and Adults

accessed clothing resources

12 Pop Up Farm Markets

COMMUNITY STORIES
"It is a wonderful resource to the community. It not only supports
families/people who may need the extra support but it creates
wonderful and lasting relationships. It is essential to continue these
programs to the community of Burlington."
-Open Doors Community Member

"The dinner is a not-to-be-missed event in my week, the food and

friendship is wonderful. Feel good donating to clothing store
knowing that people don't have to pay for their clothes."
-Open Doors Community Member

"Every time I come home after volunteering at a rEcess event, while

exhausted, I feel I have received more than I have given. I believe
there are bonds formed between the children and their volunteers
that are quite impactful in both individuals lives."
-Open Doors Community Member

Our Generous Sponsors

Family of Don MacDonald

905.634.1809

scollyer@stchristophersburlington.com

662 Guelph Line, Burlington ON L7R 3M8