TORONTO — Debbie Wasserman, co-chair with Karen Fenwick, of National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, Toronto section’s Passover food drive, has been working on this year’s drive since the last one ended.
Debbie Wasserman, co-chair, 2011 Passover food drive stands with Matzah Man, Gabriel Bernard, 13.
“There is always follow-up. It never just ends,” said Wasserman, who works on the drive, now in its 28th year, three days a week year-round.
Last year, they delivered boxes, which include many of the essentials needed for the seder and for the week of Passover, to more than 10,000 recipients, she said.
“There are so many people who need help. I want to spread the word so that Toronto Jews will worry about those who are in need.”
To help spread that word about this year’s drive, which officially began on March 23, she’s asked volunteers to stand outside various supermarkets and in front of Council House at 4700 Bathurst St., in two costumes they’ve had made up for the drive, a matzah man and a matzah baker. “I just want to attract attention,” Wasserman said.
“Many people in the community don’t realize there are so many families, especially the working poor, who can’t afford Passover food. These include recent immigrants, single mothers and those with disabilities. Recipients are all referred by an agency, rabbi or doctor.”
When kids go out with their parents on delivery day – this year it is April 10 – “their eyes are opened. They meet people who are thankful for anything they can get, and they learn that there are Jews living in real poverty. They’ve seen a family living in a garage, or in one room in a house.
“We’re encouraging people to come out on delivery day. We never have too many drivers.”
The drive needs monetary donations, Wasserman said, because they can buy wholesale, exactly what they need. “The basic boxes are identical, so we know just what we need to get.”
There are bins placed around the city for food donations, she said, and nothing goes to waste. “We donate extra food to the kosher food bank, to Jewish Family & Child, or to Ve’ahavta.”
She is thankful to the Jewish community for their help in running the drive. “People are really stepping up. Picking up the food in bins at the supermarket is a huge job, and lots of schools and groups come in to help sort and pack the food. Many of the kids have prepared cards, which they put in the box. That makes it much more personal.”
High school students looking to get community service hours can make arrangements to come in and help pack, she said.
To participate on delivery day – about 3,000 boxes are packed and delivered – arrive at Council House, 4700 Bathurst St., 8:30 a.m. to noon, with a driver and a helper. For information, call NCJW, 416-633-5100.
