TORONTO — Circle of Care volunteers and staff recently delivered thousands of “emergency” meals to 381 Holocaust survivors.
The recipients are clients who receive services through a Claims Conference grant that funds organizations providing essential services around the world for Jewish victims of Nazi persecution.
The Claims Conference works closely with these agencies to develop strategies to keep Holocaust victims healthy and fed, to deliver care in their homes, to bring them socialization opportunities, and to obtain government benefits they may be entitled to.
Circle of Care, on behalf of the Claims Conference, provides homemaking and personal care, Kosher Meals on Wheels and transportation to eligible survivors, as well as emergency assistance to Hungarian survivors.
Arnold Foss, Circle of Care’s director of communications, said the 2,286 meals – each recipient received six meals intended for either lunch or dinner – came frozen and are meant to be kept in the freezer for emergencies.
“In the event of bad weather, there will always be food in the house,” he said.
The recipients also received a small Chanukah bag funded by United Way, which included Chanukah gelt and a clementine orange, “as an added little treat. Small things make a big difference. The meals were definitely well received,” he said.
The volunteers and staff took their children with on deliveries, Foss said, so it was a good opportunity for the seniors to enjoy the youngsters. “It was also a learning experience for the kids. It was a good family experience.”
He said that the agency plans on making this an annual event, “as long as we have funding.”
