New gift shop to help Hamilton’s most vulnerable

A new shop in the Stinson neighbourhood is aiming to help some of Hamilton's most vulnerable community members - one gift at a time.

The folks behind the De Mazenod Door Outreach opened humankind: Gifts That Matter in late November, bringing new life to the former home of Stermann's Interiors, just east of Emerald Avenue South on Main Street East.

Operated as a social enterprise and run entirely by volunteers, the store was a longtime dream of Rev. Tony O'Dell, lead pastor at nearby St. Patrick Parish.

There are so many people that want to get involved in social justice in ways that are not traditional," said O'Dell. It gives people an opportunity to contribute in a unique way."

Inside the shop, the shelves are lined with pillows, paintings, knitted goods, handmade cards and home decor. The display tables feature puzzles, children's toys, mugs and chocolates.

O'Dell said half of the products are brought into the shop through wholesale, while the rest are created by local artisans and donated to the organization.

That includes paintings by Joe Mancinelli, vice-president of Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), inspirational shirts and sweaters created by Leon Blais, a former guest-turned-worker at the De Mazenod Door Outreach.

And regardless of where the item came from, 100 per cent of the profits from each sale go right back into their outreach, which continues to see a growing need in the city, said O'Dell.

As of late December, De Mazenod Door was providing meals to around 500 people a day, O'Dell noted.

If you buy a gift from the shop, it might be $10 you've spent, but that money goes right back and helps to feed someone," said O'Dell. It's a gift that keeps on giving."

Since opening their doors in late November, O'Dell estimates the shop has brought in thousands of dollars for their programming, a response he describes as absolutely amazing," despite the area not being the best for foot traffic.

It's been really successful," said O'Dell.

But their work at the shop doesn't stop at gift-giving and donations, he explained.

Above the shop, there are two rooms set up as maker spaces, where the organization is planning to host artist workshops, demonstrations and interactive events in the coming year.

O'Dell said they're hoping to offer anything local artisans are looking to teach, such as knitting, crocheting, painting and creating floral arrangements.

Those classes will be open to anyone in the community, including guests of the outreach, who often live with addiction and mental-health issues, noted Blais, who spent time in jail and struggled with addiction himself.

There is a lot of creativity there," said Blais. It'll be a safe space for them ... to contribute and feel like they're giving back."

O'Dell is hopeful that the shop can also be a place where community members are able to connect with one another and learn about others' lived experiences - while picking up a new skill or harnessing an old one.

You don't have to have it all together to be able to contribute," said O'Dell. I hope this store will motivate people on all kinds of levels."

humankind: Gifts That Matter is located at 398 Main St. E. For more information, visit facebook.com/humankindgifts.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com