While August is still the height of summer holidays, we know that the High Holidays will soon be here. But for some Jewish seniors, holiday time is not about celebration and family, but one of privation. Thanks to the generosity of Harry Enchin, and with matching funds from the Weinberg Foundation, (a U.S.-based charitable foundation), 36 Toronto seniors have been able to celebrate the holidays as others do.
Harry Enchin conceived and established the Jonathan Enchin Community Fund in 2008, in memory of his brother Jonathan. It was established as a three-year pilot project to ease the effects of poverty among Toronto’s Jewish seniors and help them to live more “Jewishly.” Seniors with an annual income below $20,000, paying market rent are eligible for assistance of $1,240 each per year. These recipients are among the Toronto Jewish community’s most impoverished and vulnerable population. Stipends are paid per household, in quarterly installments, timed so that participants receive cheques at least one week prior to major Jewish holidays. Funds are used at the discretion of the recipients. Some use the funds for High Holiday tickets; others for food or non-subsidized medications or health supplies. Others have been able to reduce isolation through membership in the Bernard Betel Centre and participating in its programs.
The program is administered by the Kehilla Residential Programme, an affiliated agency of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Recipients are referred to Kehilla from Jewish Family & Child, Circle of Care, Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living and Jewish Immigrant Aid Services.
Although the stipend is small compared to the need, the recipients’ comments attest to the impact it has had on the quality of their lives. An elderly woman called the money “a miracle,” and added that she was “thankful that Jewish people are helping me.” Repeatedly, Kehilla was told that “every penny counts.” Another family sends a thank you note at every Jewish holiday. The statistical evidence of the program’s achievements can never be as meaningful as these unsolicited words of thanks.
The three-year pilot project has ended. The challenge facing seniors this Rosh Hashana is for the Fund to achieve sustainability so that current recipients are assured of help over the long term, and the benefit can be extended to more people in need.
That is where you come in- Please make a difference in the Jewish lives of our community’s most vulnerable seniors by supporting this program. All donations are fully tax deductible and go directly to those in need. For additional information or to make a contribution, please contact Kehilla at 416-932-1212 or make a secure donation on-line by clicking the "Donate Now button" at CanadaHelps
Please specify the second Fund/Designation i.e. "2. Jonathan Enchin Community Fund" in the "Fund/Designation" field of Kehilla's CanadaHelps "Donation Details" page. Your help is much appreciated.
