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A great escape on Centre Island |
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By MIRIAM PORTER
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Wednesday, 18 August 2004 |
 A few months ago, I started volunteering at Ve’ahavta: The Canadian Jewish Humanitarian and Relief Committee. Ve’ahavta’s goal is tikkun olam and it actively engages in efforts to repair the world’s inequities. Ve’ahavta educates others and raises consciousness while helping Jews and non-Jews with humanitarian assistance and relief. I have never encountered a group of people so passionate about making the world a better place. I quickly became friends with the staff and I devote as much time as possible to helping them.
For instance, I have participated in “the sandwich challenge.” Every Tuesday, volunteers make 300 cheese sandwiches that are distributed to Toronto’s homeless. I have also had the life-changing experience of riding on Ve’ahavta’s Mobile Jewish Response to the Homeless. This colourful van, with the slogan “Repairing the World” on the back and a heart in a Torah on its side, leaves Ve’ahavta’s office at 6 a.m. each Wednesday and Thursday to travel through Toronto’s alleys, ravines and parks with coffee, sandwiches, clothing and supplies for those in need.
But it offers much more than supplies. Staff and volunteers also provide conversation and emotional support, letting clients know they are not alone and help is available.
Being part of something so unique and beautiful has made me a better person. I strongly encourage others to participate.
On Aug. 13, Ve’ahavta organized its second annual Great Escape Island Adventure, which was started last year as a substance-free day to remind people how joyous and wonderful life can be. Last year, this day of fun, escape and inspiration encouraged two people to come in off the street.
This year, I was honoured to be one of 26 volunteers to accompany 70 clients – ranging from teenagers to people in their late 60s – and one very excited black dog with a red bandanna on the ferry to Centre Island.
A delicious lunch buffet was set up under a large pavilion with a variety of pasta salads, coleslaw, bagels, gourmet cheese spreads, fruit, chips, muffins and even homemade banana bread baked by a volunteer. I ate lunch with some new friends and came to realize that Ve’ahavta’s team is not only filling stomachs, they’re also nourishing souls. Food will give you energy and keep you alive, but having a reason to live might be just as important.
After lunch, we visited the various stations set up under the pavilion.
One woman gave oatmeal and cucumber-slice facials at one end, while a man offered professional massages at the other. Another woman gave manicures to anyone who wanted one.
We may take such services for granted, but for some they are huge luxuries.
There was also a reading station with books and magazines, as well as a a watermelon-eating contest and an art corner where people could draw or paint.
The highlight was a talent show in which clients sang, played guitar, danced and laughed.
Near the end of the day, a man I know who lives on the street came up to me and said, “I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Thank you so much.”
Then his friend added, “This is the best time I’ve had all summer.”
The Great Escape Island Adventure was a huge success.
If you want learn more about Ve’ahavta and its international programs, or if you want to volunteer or donate, visit the website at www.veahavta.org.
And the next time you see someone living on the street, take some time to feed their souls through conversation.
I think you will find we are not that different.
Miriam can be reached at Miriam@jtvproductions.net.
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