Veahavta: the Canadian Jewish Humanitarian and Relief Committee is a

charitable social service organization founded in 1996 that is dedicated to promoting

positive change in the lives of people of all faiths who are marginalized by poverty locally
and nationally. Veahavta clients include homeless individuals, Aboriginal communities, as
well as others facing social inequities and lack of health-promotion resources. On the
global stage, Veahavta is committed to international aid and crisis response.
Veahavta derives its name and mission from the Torahs commandment, veahavta
lrayacha kamocha love your neighbor as you would love yourself. It is our obligation
and privilege to reach out with compassion to those who are most vulnerable regardless of
race, religion, or nationality. Veahavtas innovative programs aim to break barriers, restore
human dignity, foster inclusivity, and empower marginalized individuals to break the cycle
of poverty and fulfill their unique human potential.
THE TRAGEDY FOR CANADAS ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
Recent data from the Canadian National Household Survey and the Canadian Centre for Policy
Alternatives describes an Aboriginal population which is at risk, and which is dealing with a growing,
younger generation that is facing unemployment, financial stress, and an education system which is
failing them:
50% of First Nations children in Canada live below the poverty line
Suicide rates among Aboriginal youth are five to seven times higher than
among non-Aboriginal Canadian youth
The life expectancy of Aboriginal Canadians is 5 to 7 years less than non-Aboriginal Canadians
34% of Aboriginal children live in single-parent families (as opposed to 17% of children
in the general population)
48% of all children in foster care in Canada are Aboriginal
Of the Aboriginal population in Canada (roughly 4.3% of the total population),
49% live on reserve and only 40% graduate from high school
(Canadian National Household Survey and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - 2011 National Household Survey)
VEAHAVTA : WHO WE ARE
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The power of the Briut program is in its recognition of the potential of local communities to develop
their own health promotion interventions which will work in their particular cultural, social, geographic
and economic contexts.
ABOUT THE BRIUT PROGRAM:
Briut is a groundbreaking, national health promotion initiative in conjunction with seven
First Nation communities in Kenora, Ontario. Briut aims to mitigate health inequities which
exist among Aboriginal Canadians compared to the general population by:
developing innovative, long term community-based health-promotion programs to
strengthen resource poor Aboriginal populations
designing health promotion programs which are mindful and respectful of local
environments, and which are sensitive to the particular needs of economically,
culturally and socially marginalized Aboriginal populations
facilitating community-designed and community-implemented programs which will
lead to long term, sustainable outcomes
ensuring programs can be sustained by community members on a long term basis
ANNUAL BRI UT PROGRAM BUDGET
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FELLOWSHIPS
Monthly stipend, accommodation, transport for 2 placements per year, training $30,200
KINDER KITS (SCHOOL SUPPLIES) $2,700
TOTAL PROGRAM COSTS - $121,150
COMMUNITY PROJECT FUND
To support the development of community based health promotion programming $8,000
NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, MONITORING AND EVALUATION
$13,000
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT & ADVISORY COMMITTEE $1,000
PROGRAM LAUNCH $2,500
STAFFING & ADMINISTRATION $63,750
Honourary Co-chairs:
Former Prime Minister The Right Honourable Paul Martin,
Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine &
Canadian entrepreneur & philanthropist, Larry Tanenbaum
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This program is partially funded by:
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$500 will support the national recruitment of Fellows to the Briut program
$1,000 will support the shipping of Kinder Kits to Kenora Reserves
$2,500 will support the Cultural Competency Training & Orientation of one Fellow
$4,000 will support one community project grant, designed to support local,
community based health promotion programs
$10,000 will support Veahavtas capacity for continued program needs assessment,
monitoring and evaluation
$25,000 will support the hiring of a Kenora-based project coordinator
and community liaison
$30,200 will support all expenses related to two Fellowships per/year
(a total of 8 months in the field)
$60,000 will support aspects of the management and administration of the Briut
Program not currently supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation
SUPPORT OPTIONS:
VEAHAVTA: THE CANADIAN JEWISH HUMANITARIAN & RELIEF COMMITTEE
200 Bridgeland Avenue, Unit D - Toronto, Ontario M6A 1Z4
www.veahavta.org TEL: 416 - 964 - 7698 FAX: 416 - 964 - 6582
Charitable Registration # BN 99 904 2439 RR0001
YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES A POWERFUL IMPACT!
We must pursue partnerships with Aboriginals in a meaningful way it must be a genuine partnership
that encourages mutual trust. The Jewish community can play a significant role in this issue.
Former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Paul Martin, Honourary co-chair of the Briut Program
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WWW. VEAHAV TA. ORG