Events

International Dinner 2023

The Door’s 12th International Dinner was a night to remember. Supporters of The Door from all over the the community gathered together to enjoy a variety of dishes and desserts from different countries. It was an annual fundraising event that brought everyone together for a great cause. The guests enjoyed the food, music, and the company of like-minded individuals who shared the same passion for helping the community.

The dinner was not just about eating delicious food, but also about giving back to the community. The silent auction and raffle were a great way to raise funds for The Door. The guests had the opportunity to win amazing prizes and leave with more than just a full stomach. The youth also participated in the event by going caroling around the centre and singing a medley of holiday hits to the guests.

Overall, the event was a huge success. The Door exceeded its goal of $10,000, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the sponsors, supporters, and special guests. The event brought everyone together and showed that when we work together, we can make a significant impact in our community.

  • Anticipation under every lid! Our International Dinner feast awaits!
  • Smiles all around!
  • Youthful eager faces who are ready to serve the global flavours.
  • Guests anticipating before the announcement of our raffle winners
  • President of the Board Rick Desclouds announcing our lucky winners!
  • Dessert delights galore.
  • Guests, food, and heartfelt conversation.
  • Joyful chatter filling the room.
  • Conversations flourish: guests engaging and connecting.
  • A farewell with festive melodies sung by our staff and youth volunteers!

Annual General Meeting 2023

The Door’s Annual General Meeting of 2023 was a resounding success! Led by President Rick Desclouds, Vice Chair Ashley McMullan, and Executive Director Malik Ayass, we embarked on a reflective journey, acknowledging the remarkable work and dedication that propelled us forward in 2022. During this momentous event, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ariel Troster, to our esteemed gathering. Additionally, our Treasurer, Julie Fallon, provided a comprehensive financial overview, offering a snapshot of our fiscal achievements in 2022.

We took the opportunity to honor and celebrate the exceptional contributions of our outstanding youth and volunteers. Amongst the recipients was Davy Mutabazi, a youth member who has been a constant source of inspiration and support for our community members at The Door. Davy was awarded the prestigious Art Stinson Achievement Award for his positive influence. Daniel Desir was the recipient of the Volunteer Appreciation Award, expressing our deep gratitude for his time and efforts as our guitar instructor. Lastly, we were delighted to announce Young Huynh as the deserving winner of The Door’s Annual Scholarship Award. Young has been a dedicated member of The Door and has been accepted into Algonquin College. Additionally, we presented the Pillar of the Community Award to the Chrome Divas, a group of devoted friends and tireless fundraisers who have shown support for The Door throughout the years.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for their presence and engagement during our AGM. Congratulations to all our deserving award recipients, whose extraordinary efforts have made a profound impact on The Door.

International Dinner 2022

This year, The Door hosted its 11th Annual International Dinner at our centre. After providing take-out dinners last year due to pandemic restrictions, we were excited to be able to host this year’s event in person! 

The International Dinner continues to be a staple in the community where our supporters can come together and enjoy dishes from all over the world. We had a full house and the night consisted of some words from our Executive Director, watching youth perform Christmas songs, a silent auction and raffle. Some of our esteemed guests included former Councillor for Somerset Ward Catherine Mckenney and the new Councillor Ariel Troster. We are grateful to everyone who attended and made it a night to remember. We are happy to announce we exceeded our goal of raising $10,000!

A huge thank you to our sponsors RBC Wealth Management, Massine’s Your Independent Grocer, LaBarge Weinstein, Kelly Funeral Homes and Lupiano Executive Search. In addition, thank you to our supporters in the neighborhood Manphong Supermarket, Shiraz Food Market, Laheeb Shawarma and Ottawa Chinatown BIA.

  • Guests slowly gathering into the centre
  • ED Malik chats with some of the guests
  • Lots of goodies up for grabs at this years silent auction
  • Attendees gather to listen to the annocements
  • A big and wonderful donation from RBC Bank! Thank you for your contribution to The Door
  • Members of the board, President Rick Desclouds, Justin Claros and Samantha Hayward hangout in the game room.
  • Board memebers and attendees enjoy the tasty food
  • Youth and adult volunteers set to serve this years delicious buffet
  • Volunteers and staff ready to serve.
  • Attendees finally get to the long awaited food.
  • Staff, youth volunteers and placements students spruce the centre with holiday songs
  • ED Malik announcing raffle and auction winners
  • Some sweet desserts to finish off the night!

Annual General Meeting 2022

This year, we were thrilled to have had our 2022 Annual General Meeting in person at The Door Youth Centre! We finally had the opportunity to come together after a difficult time, and have our new president Rick Desclouds, and our Executive director Malik Ayass lead us through reflecting upon the work and dedication that carried us throughout 2021, we welcomed City Councilor Catherine McKenney who also received the Pillar of the Community Award For this year. Our treasurer Julie Fallon also provided a financial snapshot for the year 2021 for The Door, and Rick introduced and acknowledged all of our board members. 

We said a sad goodbye to Debbie Barton The Door’s previous president who has played a major role in the development of the youth centre. We thank her for her continuous hard work and dedication. 

Finally, we had the opportunity to present various awards to board members and youth to celebrate the invaluable contributions that these individuals provide to The Door and their community. This year’s notable recipient of the Art Stinson Achievement Award is Augustine Levine, a youth who has shown great strive to hard work and determination. Dorian Reid was selected as the Volunteer Appreciation Award recipient and winner of The Door’s Annual Scholarship Award, Joshua John, a focused youth striving to attend University this fall to study International Business/ Marketing and Trading. 

  • Welcome in! Youth volunteer and guitarist Daniel assit with login
  • Youth volunteers hangout
  • Treasurer Julie Fallon goes through a breakdown of The Door’s financials in 2021.
  • City Councilor Catherine McKenney receives the Pillar of the Communuty Award from Debbie Barton.
  • Executive Director Malik Ayass presents Dorian Reid with the Volunteer Appreciation Award
  • Board members Justin Claros and Serguei Tabatchenko listen attentively
  • Staff, youth, and attendees listen to the presentation
  • Program Coordinator, Susan Agobia presents Debbie Barton with flowers as a token of appreciation for all her hard work as president.
  • Youth Worker, Evan Stanley and recipient of the Art Stinson Achievement Award Augustine Levine pose for a picture
  • Debbie Barton ex- president poses for a picture
  • Staff and volunteers quickly say hello to the crowd
  • Members of The Door lend a helping hand at this years AGM
  • Executive Director Malik Ayass and Rick Desclouds get ready to present the recipients of awards
  • Rick Desclouds introduces special guest Catherine McKenney
  • Board member Serguei Tabatchenko introduces himself
  • Board member Samantha speaks in front of
  • Ready for some tasty food! Chef Najwa and staff help serve food

Past events – AGM 2018

Throughout the year we host a number of events. Our Fundraising Committee works to bring together individuals and community partners who help us continue to work towards our mission. It is important for us to help others in our community while we work towards our goals by supporting local and collaborating with others.

We would not be able to continue the work that we do without the generosity of our individual and corporate sponsors. We are grateful for our community and we say a special thank you to you!

Check out some of our annual events, and consider taking part! Have a look at our previous AGM’s.

Notable Mention

Chinatown BIA

Farm Boy

Manphong Store

Shiraz Market

Ottawa Chapter of The Guardians of the Children

Cumin Restaurant

Beau’s

Cyranos Restaurant

International Dinner 2021- Take Home Dinner

10th Annual International Dinner 2021 takeaway bags

Menu

Appetizer: Indian Pakoras

Salad: Tabouleh

Main Dish 1: Horaa Isbao: This vegan Syrian pasta with lentils and
coriander dish is the ultimate Middle-Eastern comfort food. It is
flavored with pomegranate nectar, garlic, sumac, and caramelized
onions, and topped with crispy homemade pita chips.

Main Dish 2: Moroccan Chicken & Vegetables Tajine with rice (Or
Vegetarian option) Moroccan Tufo & Vegetables Tajin with rice

Dessert: Brownies

Annual Events and Fundraisers

Consider joining one of our annual events:

International Dinner: Our largest annual event which is repeatedly sold out, is currently being hosted COVID-19 friendly. Our renowned international flavours will be provided as a take-out dinner. You can choose from a regular or vegetarian meal for pickup or delivery. Don’t forget to add our digital cookbook so you can test out some of these flavours at home too!

Trivia Night: Formerly in person, this now virtual Trivia Night has you and your friends join forces to compete against the other teams. Ideally teams should be 4-6 people but other sizes can also be accommodated. The event will host all teams as a collective for questions and then you will be split into different “rooms” to chat and discuss the questions with your team.

Paint Night: A unique virtual experience for friends and family to enjoy together ! Proximity and time zones are not an issue. Guests join us for this virtual paint night by grabbing a seat, a drink and clicking on the link to join in for an evening of creativity. Take part alongside others while maintaining physical distance by joining in the comfort of your own home. This 2-hour event will be guided by an experienced artist who will assist you in creating your masterpiece.

Get Fit for The Door: Our newest event has participants Run, Walk or Bike for The Door while enjoying the beautiful sights of the season. You can choose your own route and do it independently or with others. For those who were interested, The Door hosted an optional (COVID friendly) in-person 5km walk. You are encouraged to join and invite your friends, family and communities to take part by either donating or joining in too.

Pop-Up Party: We host an evening of food, drinks and fun! Party goers get to enjoy the exclusive Youth Centre Venue that, for one night only. This is a +19 event for guests to appreciate the unique facility. Guests are encouraged to bring their friends to make use of the pool table, fusball, arcade games, board games, PlayStation, music room, photo booth and more! Sounds pretty amazing to me.

Youth Events at The Door Youth Centre

The Door Youth Fied Trips – Saunder’s Farm Field Trip

The Saunder’s Farm Field Trip was a spooky success! Members and Staff had lots of fun at the farm and even took photos to remember their trip!

Swipe to see how the trip turned out!

Thank you to the Ottawa Community Foundation for funding this memorable trip!

Cinema Night Field Trip

On 28th September, youth and staff headed out to Cinze Starz, in St. Laurent Mall to watch Jurassic World Dominion. Youth indulged in snacks and a fun day out of the centre. Thank you to Ottawa Community Foundation for supporting our Movie Field Trip. The youth and staff had a lot of fun and enjoyed their time at the movies!