Ve’ahavta: Canada’s Central Address for Tikun Olam

VE’AHAVTA NEWS

Kinder Kit Project Update

Ve’ahavta would like to express our gratitude to the community for your enthusiasm and support in the Kinder Kit Project. Collectively, you have sponsored 4,356 Kinder Kits to date!

Our main channels of distribution for kinder kits in Toronto over the next year will be through the following agenices; Jewish Family and Child Services, Tomchei Shabbos, and Children’s Aid (Canada).

In 2010, our goal is to distribute 15,000 kinder kits to children in need locally and internationally. To help us achieve this goal, please consider sponsoring a Kinder Kit for $18 or collecting school supplies to donate to the project.

Please contact josh.hacker@veahavata.org for further details.

Click here to sponsor a Kinder Kit

Recent Kinder Kit Distributions
On April 7 and 8 March of the Living took 300 Kinder Kits to Poland to be distributed to underpriviled Jewish and non-Jewish children.

Volunteer Gena Kontakos is in Zimbabwe distributing 1,600 Kinder Kits to the Kenyamba Primary and Secondary Schools. Please stay tuned for more info about this program’s amazing successes!

Upcoming Kinder Kit Project events:
April 22 – USDS Do Without Day
April 25 – Holy Blossom Mitzvah Day
May 2 – Beth Tzedec Mitzvah Day

In May Ve’ahavta will be sending a second shipment of 1,500 Kinder Kits to Zimbabwe.

This summer 5,000 Kinder Kits will be shipped and distributed in Israel. Please contact us if you are interested in being part of the distribution team on the ground in Israel!

Ve’ahavta in Vancouver

From March 7 to 10, 2010, Eric Cisterna (Outreach Initiatives Coordinator) and Jacqueline Stein (CWC Coordinator) travelled to Vancouver to meet with local leaders and spread the word about Ve’ahavta. Eric and Jacqueline went to the Downtown East Side of Vancouver to see first hand what was being done there.  They connected with great local workers from many different organizations to understand the local community and see the hidden gems that are hiding in Vancouver’s shadow.

The visit to Vancouver was also an opportunity to take the Ve’ahavta’s Creative Writing Contest national for the first time since its inception. The Creative Writing Contest (CWC) is in its 9^th year and we decided to break some more records by expanding our listening ear and take in more stories, songs and thoughts from the west coast and carry it across Canada.

GETTING TO KNOW US

Kirill Zaretsky – Director of Development

Kirill Zaretsky came to Canada as a young Jewish refugee from the former Soviet Union, and had it not been for the assistance the Jewish community, he and family would not have had the opportunity to live in freedom.

With freedom comes responsibility. And responsibility leads to Tzedakah. For over a decade Kirill has raised millions of dollars for institutions dedicated to improving the quality of life of those who are the most vulnerable in society. In his role as Director of Development for Ve’ahavta, he brings the expertise gained working for other organizations to his work at Ve’ahavta.

A mere three generations ago, most Jews lived in poverty. Now the Jewish community of North America, though hard work and study have become leaders in society. As a fundraiser Kirill is constantly amazed at the level of charitable giving by our community. This makes him confident that the Jewish community will continue to play an increasingly important role in making the world a better place to live. As Ve’ahavta will be placing a greater focus on our educational initiatives in the near future, we challenge people to consider the kind of world we would live in, if every child had the right to learn; for this is in essence the Jewish way.

If you would like to learn more about Ve’ahavta or make a contribution, you can reach him at 416-964-7698 x.22 or kirill@veahavta.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the date for Ve’ahavta’s most exciting STARRY NIGHTS yet!
Sunday, November 7th, 2010

Ve’ahavta is thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker for STARRY NIGHTS 2010 is internationally acclaimed humanitarian activist, Sir Bob Geldof.

The M.C. for the evening is the hilarious and talented David Shore (Creator, Writer, and Executive Producer for the Emmy Award winning television show House).

Once again Ve’ahavta will present distinctive Tikun Olam Awards to many special and deserving tikun olam heroes of our time.

More information to come! Please save the date.

Are you up for the Challenge? May 16th 2010

Register your team now for the 2010 Great T.O. Challenge! After last year’s astounding success (volunteer teams raised $60,000 for Ve’ahavta homeless intiatives expansion project), and the hype leading up to this year’s event, we do expect to reach registration capacity quickly.

Sign up a team today for this thrilling and unique in-car scavenger hunt adventure to raise funds for the homeless men and women living on the streets of Toronto.

Click here to register NOW!

Varsity Jews: In Technicolour

U of T Jewish a cappella in concert

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 7:30pm
Beth Torah Congregation, 47 Glenbrook Ave.
All proceeds go to Ve’ahavta: the Canadian Jewish Humanitarian & Relief Committee
Click here to purchase tickets

Ve’ahavta’s Creative Writing Contest for the Homeless

On Sunday May 30^th, Ve’ahavta will be hosting its ninth annual Creative Writing Contest for the Homeless at Hart House on the University of Toronto campus. Mia Farrow will be one of the judges this year and the event will include top prizes being given to the best submissions. Please join us at this incredible event as we encourage those submitting to reflect on their own soulfulness and creativity, and find their way off the street. For more information visit the Ve’ahavta website, or contact Jacqueline Stein at Jackie@veahavta.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Seeking: Special volunteer with certification in food handling to facilitate and supervise volunteer groups making sandwiches for the homeless
Where: dates are flexible in accordance with your schedule
When: April-May

Vitamin Drive for children in Guyana

Seeking: people to collect vitamins or start a vitamin drive
Where: vitamins will be distributed to children in Guyana who need vitamin supplements to stay healthy and strong
When: NOW!!!

The Great TO Challenge on May 16

Seeking: volunteers for day of event
Where: CHAT, Wallenberg Campus
When: May 16

The Lita and Mikey Homework Club Programs

Seeking: Volunteer Supervisors
Where: Ledbury, Regent Park, and Evangel Hall
When: Fall 2010

Youth Breakfast Club program, sponsored by TNT

Seeking: Volunteers to serve breakfast
Where: Evangel Hall (552 Adelaide Street West)
When: every Thursday morning from 7:30 to 8:30am

Community Dinners

Seeking: Volunteers to host and recruit for one of our community dinners for the homeless
Where: Evangel Hall (552 Adelaide Street West)
When: July 11, July 18, August 1, August 29

Guyana’s Medicine and Health Education

Seeking: Individuals interested in volunteering their services to a community-based medical development project in Region 7, Guyana. Specifically looking for Physicians, nurses, midwives, social workers, public health specialists/educators, family planners, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, and support workers.
Where: Guyana, South America
When: June 6th-June 20th, 2010

Mali

Ve’ahavta is partnering with Project Muso Ladamunen and The Faith Act Fellows to raise funds for a community based malaria project in Yirimadjo, Mali!

For all volunteer inquiries, please contact our Volunteer Desk at 416.964.7698 x 16 or by email at volunteerinfo@veahavta.org

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

In the past few months, I have been a volunteer at the Lita and Mikey Homework Club in Regent Park. As a tutor and a mentor, I have developed multiple connections with my students and watched them grow and succeed. One grade five student I was working with brought an assignment to the Homework Club which was to deliver a public speech to his classmates. For several weeks, we polished the speech together and talked about ideas. The end result was a speech about sneakers, and the role they play in the experience of his peers. My student talked about shoes as status symbols, how they must not be a way to make friends, about powerful advertising and child labour practices. I was very proud of him. In our next meeting, he was excited and told me that he won first place in his class and will now deliver his speech in front of the whole school. A shy but bright kid has gained confidence that will sustain him for years to come.

- Ve’ahavta tutor, The Lita and Mikey Newcomers Homework Club in Regent Park

Volunteer Now!

SPEAKING TIKUN OLAM

Poverty is poverty – suffering is suffering, no matter where in the world you look. The thing is, when it looks so different, how does one know where do we begin?

Click here to write your response and see what others have to say.

VOLUNTEER CORNER

I have volunteered with Ve’ahavta countless times and each and every 6:30 outing is an incredibly gratifying experience.

When I volunteer on the Van, I am amazed by everyone I interact with. Each and every driver and fellow volunteer exemplifies excellence in striving to just do the right thing. To do what you would want someone to do for you if you were in their situation, to offer a smile and a friendly greeting. To allow everyone to be treated like their a human being. When I come home from a long day with Ve’ahavta I know that I have given everything I have and it has been selfless. It helps to keep me grounded, and appreciate what I have. Most importantly, I feel like I am being a role model. My family and friends inquire as to why I’m so exhausted and I proudly respond that today, I did the right thing, today I helped to perfect the world. By leading by example and being a guiding light for others, the positive, viral impact is enormous.

Thank-you Ve’ahavta for reminding me of who I am and what I should strive to be.
- Wesley Slater, Ve’ahavta MJRH volunteer

FEATURED CORPORATE SPONSOR

FOOD & SUPPLY DONATION REQUEST

Ve’ahavta’s new Youth Breakfast Club program, sponsored by TNT, is in need of food supplies. Please let us know if you can help us secure the following items on a weekly basis;

• yogurt
• cheese strings
• cereal
• Fruit
• Muffins
• Granola/Snack bars
• Juice boxes or small bottles
• Milk boxes – small ones

Please contact Eric Cisterna at eric@veahavta.org

Follow Ve’ahavta on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/VeahavtaNews

Order your Passover Tribute Cards today!

Wish friends and family a Happy Passover with one of our uniquely designed tribute cards. The world has recently witnessed devastating events. Now more than ever, we appreciate the gift of tikun olam – repairing the world.

Choose from our 7 card designs, including our most recent addition to the collection; a holiday card featuring artwork by Ve’ahavta’s Founding President, Avrum Rosensweig.

Or you may choose a Kinder Kit card, which will help us to supply a child in need with essential school supplies. In light of the story of Passover, it is poignant to recognize that with education often comes freedom.

Click here to order your cards today!

For questions, or to place an order by phone, please call (416) 964-7698

VE’AHAVTA NEWS

Kinder Kit Project Update

Ve’ahavta would like to express our gratitude to the community for your enthusiasm and support in the Kinder Kit Project. Collectively, you have sponsored 4,065 kinder kits to date! Our main channels of distribution for kinder kits in Toronto over the next year will be through the following agenices; Jewish Family and Child Services, Tomchei Shabbos, and Children’s Aid (Canada).

In 2010, our goal is to distribute 15,000 kinder kits to children in need locally and internationally. To help us achieve this goal, please consider sponsoring a Kinder Kit for $18 or collecting school supplies to donate to the project.
Please contact robyn@veahavta.org for further details.

Click here to sponsor a Kinder Kit

A special THANK YOU to the following Kinder Kit Project supporters:
Peter and Marla Seligman
The Singer Family
Temple Emanuel
Beth Emeth Bar/Bat Mitzvah families
The Annex Shul

UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the date for Ve’ahavta’s most exciting STARRY NIGHTS yet!
Sunday, November 7th, 2010

Ve’ahavta is thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker for STARRY NIGHTS 2010 is internationally acclaimed humanitarian activist, Sir Bob Geldof.

The M.C. for the evening is the hilarious and talented David Shore (Creator, Writer, and Executive Producer for the Emmy Award winning television show House).

Once again Ve’ahavta will present distinctive Tikun Olam Awards to many special and deserving tikun olam heroes of our time.

More information to come! Please save the date.

Are you up for the Challenge? May 16th 2010

Register your team now for the 2010 Great T.O. Challenge! After last year’s astounding success (volunteer teams raised $60,000 for Ve’ahavta homeless intiatives expansion project), and the hype leading up to this year’s event, we do expect to reach registration capacity quickly.

Sign up a team today for this thrilling and unique in-car scavenger hunt adventure to raise funds for the homeless men and women living on the streets of Toronto.

Click here to register NOW!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Homework Club Program at Evangel Hall

Seeking: Volunteers for after-school tutoring in all subjects
Where: Evangel Hall (552 Adelaide Street West)
When: Monday afternoons (3:30pm-6pm)

Guyana’s Medicine and Health Education

Seeking: Individuals interested in volunteering their services to a community-based medical development project in Region 7, Guyana. Specifically looking for Physicians, nurses, midwives, social workers, public health specialists/educators, family planners, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, and support workers.
Where: Guyana, South America
When: June 6th-June 20th, 2010

GUYANA MISSION APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 26TH

For all volunteer inquiries, please contact our Volunteer Desk at 416.964.7698 x 16 or by email at volunteerinfo@veahavta.org

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

Project Cover Up

Emily Freeman is currently 12 years old and the creator of Project Cover Up! Read here an excerpt from Emily’s Bat Mitzvah D’var Torah about her adventures on the streets of Toronto with Ve’ahavta handing out cozy blankets to the homeless with her family…

On January 21st my Mom, Dad and me went out in a van…not just any van…it’s called The Mobile Jewish Response to the Homeless van, driven and supported by Ve’ahavta and delivered 125 fleece blankets on the streets of Toronto to the homeless. We worked from 6pm until midnight….and it was COLD. Ironically though, it was the most heart warming experience of my life! The people who we were able to give our blankets to were so grateful, so moved, so touched…..and they were so WARM. In some cases, the thing that they craved most was not food or clothing or a blanket, although they were incredibly grateful to receive any or all of these items, but it was a friendly face, someone to talk to, a conversation that they really appreciated, and I got so much out of this experience. One random act of kindness…well actually 125 random acts of kindness…This is the meaning to Tikun Olam. On January 21, 2010 I began my mission of Tikun Olam…to repair the world…one blanket at a time.

For Emily’s full D’var Torah, please click here.

Speaking Tikun Olam

Should you give money to a homeless person panhandling on the sidewalk?

Click here to write your response and see what others have to say.

Volunteer Corner

When I come home from a long day with Ve’ahavta I know that I have given everything I have and it has been selfless. It helps to keep me grounded, and appreciate what I have. Most importantly, I feel like I am being a role model. My family and friends inquire as to why I’m so exhausted and I proudly respond that today, I did the right thing, today I helped to perfect the world. By leading by example and being a guiding light for others, the positive, viral impact is enormous.

- Wesley Slater, Ve’ahavta MJRH volunteer

Featured Corporate Sponsor

Food & Supply Donation Request

Ve’ahavta’s new Youth Breakfast Club program, sponsored by TNT, is in need of food supplies. Please let us know if you can help us secure the following items on a weekly basis;

• yogurt
• cheese strings
• cereal
• Fruit
• Muffins
• Granola/Snack bars
• Juice boxes or small bottles
• Milk boxes – small ones

Please contact Eric Cisterna at eric@veahavta.org

Donate to our Seder Marketplace!

On Tuesday March 30th, 2010, Ve’ahavta will be hosting its 11th Annual Passover Seder for the Homeless, and we need your support!

Please consider donating the following items for the event Marketplace;

• Men’s, women’s, children’s clothing and shoes (good condition only please)
• non-perishable kosher food items (canned/boxed)
• childrens’ toys

Please contact Jackie Stein at jackie@veahavta.org

*please do not drop off supplies without confirmation

Follow Ve’ahavta on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/VeahavtaNews

Join us on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 7:30PM

York Woods Library Theatre (1785 Finch Avenue W.)

$15.00/adults

$10.00/students and seniors

For tickets and information, call (416) 398-0289

See the event flyer for full details.

Would like to donate one of the awards for the contest? Every year we give out cash prizes to the winners. The top prize of $1,000 is sponsored by Kernel’s Popcorn. We are also delighted that Ryerson contributes a free course as part of the top prize. Please consider donating an award which will go directly to the winners. You will receive a receipt for the donation. Your options are:

1. $750 – 2nd Prize
2. $540 – 3rd prize
3. $360 – as many as possible
4. $180 – as many as possible
5. $100 – as many as possible
6. Products – If you would like to donate a product that you believe would benefit a winner, please make a suggestion. Some examples are a laptop, a collection of classic novels, a coupon to purchase reading glasses, or a writing class bursary.

Once again this is a beautiful program and offers an opportunity for many people living on or near the street to express their creativity and experiences. This is very much in sync with the Jewish approach to tikun olam (repairing the world), as Judaism speaks about the development of the heart and soul as a way of making our world a better place.

While we are enjoying this time with family and friends, let us not forget those less fortunate than ourselves. We are already gearing up for this year’s Second Seder and we need your help. We currently have volunteer opportunities on the Passover Seder Event Committee. Keep an eye on the web site for other voluteer opportunites closer to the date.