Good Shepherd: 25 years of harvesting hope

By HCMOct 22, 2025

Good Shepherd’s annual fall gala raises critical funds for programs and services protecting and serving the most vulnerable in our city.

The Good Shepherd Harvest Gala is a 25-year tradition in Hamilton, raising money for its important work in protecting and supporting the most vulnerable in the city.

More than 700 people gathered at Carmen’s Banquet Centre on Oct. 16, bidding in live and silent auctions, and pledging donations to deliver a roast chicken dinner for 250 at the Men’s Centre ($1,000), purchase bassinets and cribs for infants at Regina’s Place ($500), provide winter coats and gear to residents of the Barton-Tiffany outdoor shelter ($250), and stock up food shelves at the Venture Centre ($100).

“Today, we gather to not just raise funds, but to harvest hope,” said Good Shepherd CEO Brother Richard MacPhee. Since 1961, the organization is there for people with no other place to go, providing the right supports, resources and care to help them transform and make lasting change.

The Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd opened a men’s hostel in Hamilton in 1961. It has grown to become one of the largest providers of health and human services in Hamilton.

Good Shepherd services include emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for all individuals and families; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs.

In a video presented at the gala, Katherine Kalinowski, chief operating officer at Good Shepherd, says every day in our community people are waking up homeless, hungry and forgotten.

“We’re not waiting for change. We’re creating it.”

Good Shepherd supports more than 630 beds each night and16,500 monthly meals at 36 locations across Hamilton, Niagara and Toronto.

“While others debate solutions, we’re housing people and saving lives, one step at a time,” Tessa McFadzean, director of women’s services. “And even when hope runs out, Good Shepherd is there.”

Michelle Romano, a resident at Good Shepherd’s Dorothy Day Place, shared her story of getting a second chance.

Her life fell apart due to drug use and she found herself living in a tent for three years. Her drug use got heavier and she had given up the will to carry on.

When she desperately asked for help from a housing worker, she was referred to Dorothy Day Place.

“And that first night in my bed alone felt like a hug,” she says, fighting back tears. “I felt safe. Dorothy Day not only provided me with a place to live but safety and love.”

She had her own kitchen and bathroom and a desk to do art.

“It was unimaginable all the happiness I felt that day. I finally had the beginning of my new life.”

The gala featured a performance by Bishop Ryan Expression, the school’s contemporary choir and Hamilton’s Brian Melo.

Throughout November, The Good Shepherd is selling 2025 advent calendars. Each day has a prize and the calendars will raise money for youth services. Visit goodshepherd.ca to find out more.