MADA to Launch New Strategy to Fight Hunger and Poverty in Montreal at Upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Evening
Montreal, QC (PRWEB) August 08, 2023 -- MADA, a non-profit volunteer-based organization that works to lessen hunger and poverty in Montreal, will announce the launch of its new growth strategy at its upcoming annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening.
The Facts
Today, MADA’s 4,000 volunteers serve more than 7,000 Montrealers in need. Here are a few key numbers (distributed in 2022):
· 580,000 ready-made meals
· 60,000 baskets (including diapers, soap, toilet paper, etc.)
· 18,000 items of clothing
· 300 pieces of furniture
However large these numbers may seem, support is inadequate because of the ever-growing financial, social and emotional struggles faced in our community.
“We need to do more – it’s that simple,” says Rabbi Chaim Cohen, Executive Director, MADA. “One of MADA’s greatest strengths is our network of volunteers. We need to inspire others to join and participate in the spirit of kindness – or ‘chesed’ – the Hebrew word for kindness and love between people. To promote engagement, we will create a ‘kindness IQ’ – a number that may be measured and then increased by individuals and organizations through tangible acts of kindness.”
New Initiatives
The goal is to inspire kindness through ‘social emotional intelligence programs’ including:
· Team-building workshops to teach the fundamentals of volunteerism – for individuals and corporate groups
· Chesed Awards – in recognition of individual and group excellence
· A kindness app – to teach the values of volunteerism to our youth
· An educational summit – examining the root causes of poverty and how to fight it
· Instructional videos – to illustrate the mutually-rewarding nature of volunteerism
“We have witnessed an increased reliance on food banks across Canada, caused largely by soaring inflation. Sadly, MADA is no exception. Despite a growing culture of distrust, we know that most people want to help each other. For example, the pandemic was very traumatic but it also brought out the best in us. When people are given a tangible way to help each other, many will accept the challenge. This is why we are hosting our annual event in recognition of MADA’s volunteers – our very own frontline ambassadors of kindness. Without them, we would not exist. Today, the challenge is to grow our network of volunteers so that we can help everyone in need. Only then will our work truly be done,” adds Rabbi Cohen.
MADA Volunteer Appreciation Evening
· Tuesday, August 15, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
· Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Midtown, 6939 Decarie Boulevard
· Community leaders Debbie Cons, Miriam Ifrah and Dean Mendel will be honored with MADA’s first-ever ‘Chesed Awards’
· All are welcome to attend
About MADA
Founded in 1993, MADA is a volunteer-based organization that relies upon private donations from individuals and foundations. Based on the vision that protecting individual dignity is inseparable from the provision of care, we provide our patrons with social and crisis services free of charge and serve as a safe haven for those in need. MADA’s mission is to help people with the basic necessities of life, while helping them to become self-sufficient. MADA’s food bank feeds more than 4,500 people, on average, per month. Our cafeteria ends the loneliness and indignity of hunger in an uplifting environment. Friendly volunteers bring delicious meals directly to patrons’ tables, restaurant style. MADA also delivers meals and friendly visits to elderly patrons with limited mobility. Rooted in Jewish tradition and founded on a vision of caring, MADA welcomes, supports and embraces all people, irrespective of religion, race or nationality. MADA is committed to treating all people with dignity. Feeding people is often the end result but the approach involves opening hearts, acting as an extended family and treating people with respect. For more information on these and other services, please visit http://www.madacenter.com.
Media Contact
Mark Lowe, PRagmatic Communications
mailto:[email protected] [mark.lowe(at)pragcom.com __title__ null] / (514) 576-2519
Mark Lowe, MADA, https://madacenter.com/, 1 (514) 576-2519, [email protected]
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