Tikkun Olam - Social Action

TIKUN OLAM

Making a difference by helping to repair our world – one mitzvah at a time

As a congregation, Kol Ami has a strong commitment to Tikun Olam and is active with local, national and international humanitarian initiatives. 

The Social Action Committee is continuing to broaden its horizons, finding new and worthy initiatives to help those most in need. 

MARLEINE KAY LEVIN SOCIAL ACTION FUND

The Marleine Kay Levin Social Action Fund collects donations for worthy social causes from our generous members. Marleine was a beloved member of the Kol Ami community who passed away in 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

For many years, Marleine was the driving force behind Kol Ami’s Social Action Committee, raising funds for a litany of worthy causes.  
 

CURRENT INITIATIVES

HIGH HOLY DAYS FOOD DRIVE

With the drastic increase of food insecurity in our community, Kol Ami's annual High Holy Days Food Drive collects non-perishable food items for various local food banks throughout York Region. In 2023, Kol Ami members again generously donated dozens of many non-perishable food items to both the Chasdei Kaduri, Jewish Food Bank and community food banks.

PASSOVER FOOD DRIVE 

Our congregants generously donate Kosher for Passover foods to Chasdei Kaduri, the Kosher Food Bank in York Region.

INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVES

Since 2004, the Social Action Committee has contributed to many international humanitarian causes. Whether it was collecting hygiene and school essentials, fund new water wells in Africa, or sending financial aid to those struck by war and natural disasters, Kol Ami has been dedicated to making a difference around the world. Recently, the committee raised funds for:

• Downie Wenjack Fund for Indigenous peoples
• Jewish Federation of Vancouver for BC Flood Relief
• Ukraine Relief Fund
• Assistance to the earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria. 

OUT OF THE COLD

The Social Action Committee, members, school children and their families collected four large boxes of hygiene essentials, warm gloves, socks, hats and scarves to those who are struggling in the bitter winter months. In addition, congregants purchased gift cards so that the Blue Door Shelter in Richmond Hill so that those in need could partake of a warm breakfast during the cold winter months.

JEWISH FAMILY & CHILD SERVICES (JF&CS) GRIEF KITS

For the first time recently, social action partnered with JF&CS to collect and provide grief kits to adults who are suffering a terrible loss and enrolled in their bereavement groups. Members collected items such as adult colouring books, candles, poems, journals, note pads, stress balls, picture frames and more. We were able to assemble 30 bags for the bereaved. The committee work was spotlighted in the newsletters of the JF&CS and Reform Jewish Community of Canada. 

HELPING ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

The Social Action Committee has donated Mishloach Manot treats during Purim to Seniors living with dementia at One Kensington and Circle of Care and adults with developmental disabilities at Reena.

The committee arranged for lovely decorations and artwork to be sent  to Participation House in Markham and Reena. 

CHANUKAH TOY DRIVE

The Social Action Committee annually partners with Chai Lifeline to provide toys for children hospitalized during the holiday time. Our congregants donate the toys.

BIRTHDAY AND GET WELL GREETINGS

During the pandemic, social action committee members sent birthday cards and get-well wishes to congregants to keep them from feeling isolated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

New members are always welcome on this very active committee!  Meetings are monthly online via Zoom.  For more information or to attend an upcoming meeting contact either of our co-chairs:

•  Annie Papernick - anniepapernick@gmail.com
•  Carolynn Schiller - carolynn.schiller@gmail.com 

Kol Ami’s Social Action committee continually looks for new ways to reach out to help the marginalized and sick within our community.

The committee welcomes enthusiastic volunteers to truly want to make a difference in the lives of others.