News from Kol Ami

on Monday, 23 June 2014.

BY MARLEINE KAY

A Year of Mitzvot - A Year of Sharing and Caring

Throughout the year, Kol Ami members of all of ages have worked with the Social Action committee to roll up their sleeves and help bring a little more light into the world. Shabbat candles bring G-d’s light into the world and so does Tikkun Olam every day. This year, Social Action initiatives have been fairly diverse, as evidenced by the recap of our year of mitzvot.

Yom Kippur Food Bank Drive

Once again this year we filled 12 huge Vaughan Food Bank bins between Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur - a great help to the hungry in our community. On Shabbat services throughout the year we are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item for the food bank and place it in the basket in the foyer.

Out of the Cold

In addition to our High Holy Day Appeal, which raised over $2,000 for the OOTC program at Har Zion, many Kolamites joined the OOTC dinner team and prepared a scrumptious meal for over 100 guests. We also worked on Wednesday nights at Har Zion helping to serve meals, or work in the “shop” where guests can choose clothing, boots and toiletries. You have an opportunity to volunteer this year again and you will be glad you did!

Thornhill Firefighter's Christmas Lunch

Despite the horrific ice storm, the Social Action Committee sponsored a traditional Christmas lunch for the brave firefighters at the Bathurst/ Clark firestation. Everyone made a main course and a dessert to say “thank you” to the courageous individuals who consistently put their lives on the line to save others. This will now be one of our annual events.

Yellow Brick House

Every week, without fail, Kol Ami volunteers make a difference and collect leftover food at the Thornhill Farmers Market and deliver it to the Yellow Brick House women’s shelter. Please see this month’s Mensch of The Month article.

Ronald McDonald House

For the second year, we visited Ronald McDonald House with a volunteer magician and clown to entertain the kids, their siblings and parents.

Grade 7s Led Shabbat Services at Valleyview

Social Action arranged for the Grade 7 Hebrew school kids to lead several Shabbat services at Valley View Retirement Home. They brought so much joy to the residents of the home and were asked to come back to lead services as much as possible.

Sorting Food

Social Acton also arranged for the Grade 7 kids to sort food at the Vaughan Food Bank. There are no longer any set volunteer times at the Food Bank, but Social Action can arrange personalised visits for individuals and families wishing to help out at the Food Bank.

The Kol Ami Singers Mitzvah Performances

As part of a Social Action initiative, The Kol Ami Singers performed for the veterans at Sunnybrook Hospital and Thorn Mills on Steeles retirement residence. They were such a hit with the seniors that encore performances were requested.

Mitzvah Day

This year members of the congregation and Religious School helped make a difference for:

• Toronto North Cat Rescue Shelter
• SickKids Hospital
• Yellow Brick House
• Covenant House Street Youth Shelter
• Israeli, Canadian and U.S. Soldiers
• Garage Sale

This year’s charity garage sale raised $1,340.30 to assist in sending AIDS orphans, children who lost both parents to AIDS, in Zimbabwe to school. Your donations of sellable items and your participation will help to transform and save lives. $200 of the proceeds also benefitted the rescued cats at the Toronto Norh Toronto Cat Rescue Shelter.

Mensch of the Month

Each month, Social Action honours individuals and groups who have done mitzvot.

Collectively we really CAN change the world,

one small mitzvah at a time.

To find out how you can be the difference in someone's life or to share your ideas, please contact Marleine Kay.