News from Kol Ami

on Saturday, 29 November 2014. 

BY MARLEINE KAY

“If you offer your compassion to the hungry and satisfy the famished creature, then shall your light shine in darkness.” –Isaiah 58:10

Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold (OOTC) Programs provide hospitality and emergency shelter in York Region to the homeless or those in need of food and clothing. Overnight shelters are operated on different nights of the week from November to March by various communities. Over the years, Kol Ami has become increasingly involved by partnering with Temple Har Zion (THZ) who host Wednesday evenings.

On average 70-120+ guests arrive by shuttle bus and volunteer cars to enjoy a hearty 3 course meal, bingo, an art class run by Kolamite Melanie Samara, and a chance to “shop” for free clothing and toiletry items. Over 20 homeless guests sleep overnight and awaken to breakfast and a packed lunch.

This Yom Kippur appeal, Kol Ami raised $3,500.00 for OOTC. WOW! This money helps pay for food, long johns, underwear, socks, gloves, toiletries, etc. Since government funding was slashed by 30%, Kol Ami has positively enhanced the program.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Volunteer to help set up or clear away at THZ, serve meals or help guests with clothing.
• Help cook part of the Kol Ami sponsored OOTC dinner for December 17th. Please contact Miriam Amon at miriamamon@bell.net. The Amon family are the originators and organizers of this wonderful mitzvah.
• Help source URGENTLY NEEDED items:
  • Men’s boots size 12 triple D fitting plus sizes 10-13.
  •  Ladies boots all sizes
  •  Men and women’s coats 2XL and 3XL. Guests literally arrive with open torn shoes and coats.

Volunteering with OOTC is also about listening and caring. For those of us who volunteer every week, we get to really know the guests year after year. One young teenage mother tearfully threw her arms around Kolamite Eva Kay and thanked her for the advice on how to reconcile with her estranged mother. It worked! Kolamite Andie Wilson brings clothing each week to suit specific guest sizes.

Volunteering with OOTC tends to make one feel humble and very touched. It makes the words of Modim Anachnu Lach all that sweeter and meaningful- and it lets us live Isaiah 58:10.

For additional information on OOTC please contact, ASAP, Marleine Kay, Social Action Co-Chair at 905 763 1136 or marleine@rogers.com

Because we are Kol Ami, TOGETHER we CAN make a difference