TORONTO — When Harry Enchin’s brother, Jonathan, died in 2005 at age 43, Harry wanted to do something that would have made his brother proud.
Jonathan Enchin
A year ago, he set up the Jonathan Enchin Community Fund, administered by Kehilla Residential Program and directed at low-income seniors.
Along with a matching one-time, three-year grant from the Weinberg Foundation, a U.S.-based charitable foundation – the grant proposal came from Kehilla – the fund allots 25 seniors $1,240 each per year.
Recipients are referred to Kehilla from Jewish Family & Child, Circle of Care, Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living and Jewish Immigrant Aid Services.
Lisa Lipowitz, Kehilla’s director of community initiatives, said cheques go out quarterly and are usually timed to be delivered around the Jewish holidays.
“Many seniors live on fixed incomes. They can’t afford to pay for rent, food and medical supplies, and practise Jewish customs such as keeping kosher,” she said.
“This small increment can be a huge benefit. The holidays can be expensive.”
Nancy Singer, executive director of Kehilla, called it a “feel good program. Harry’s brother had an affection for seniors, and this is a meaningful way to honour his memory. I would like to see it keep going [after the three years.]
“Time passes quickly, and the recipients know it is a one-time grant. I’d like to see donors get interested. We now help 25 people. It would be great to be able to help more.”
Enchin said his brother was particularly tuned in to the plight and needs of seniors.
“He helped them in his apartment building by shopping, running errands and generally looking out for them, and he volunteered at Baycrest,” he said.
“This is something he would have done if he had had the means. It is something that was near and dear to his heart. The money can help [recipients] buy some kosher food and feel a part of the community,” Enchin said.
Several recipients have contacted Kehilla to thank them for the money, Lipowitz said.
One thanked Kehilla for helping that person to celebrate the High Holidays, and another said that it was touching “to get help from complete strangers. It is absolutely amazing that there are donors who care about [us]. This allowance will help enhance our lives.”
