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 OF HOMELESSNESS IN CANADA
Poverty is the major contributor to homelessness in Canada. There are two distinct groups of homeless
people: those who are temporarily homeless, the transitional homeless, and those who are chronically
homeless and living on the streets for more than one year.
This is a snapshot of the tragedy on Canadas Streets:
At least 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year
An estimated 7,350 women and children stay in violence against women
shelters each year in Canada
Toronto has the second highest homeless population of any Canadian city,
with an average of 5,250 homeless on the streets every night
Approximately 3,970 individuals experiencing homelessness stay in City-administered
shelters each year in Toronto
(Homelesshub.ca, 2013)
VEAHAVTA : WHO WE ARE
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There is nothing better to empower a community of employees, partners, friends or
colleagues by sponsoring a meal for marginalized and homeless people. I can tell you first
hand that the experience was extremely meaningful and unifying for our campers and staff
Mark Diamond, Owner & Director, Camp Manitou
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY MEAL PROGRAM:
Veahavtas Community Meal Program provides homeless and marginalized individuals in
Toronto with a warm and nutritious meal at one of our partner agencies. Each year
Veahavta provides approximately 2,000 individuals with 15 community meals served by
staff and almost 100 volunteers.
This program is unique as it gives guests the dignity of sitting down at table and being
served, rather than lining up for food. It offers a vital sense of belonging, safety, and
connection. For volunteers, it is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of
the disadvantaged, by reaching out to them with compassionate understanding.
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$7,800
$1,000
COMMUNI T Y MEAL S BUDGET
( BASED ON 13 COMMUNI T Y MEAL S)
TOTAL COST $30,300
DIRECT STAFF WAGES
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
$21,500 FOOD COST
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SPONSOR BENEFITS
sponsors are invited to bring together volunteers to help prepare and
serve a warm and nutritious meal to the homeless on the chosen date
Community Meal at PARC provides 7 volunteer opportunities
Community Meal at the Scott Mission provides 15 volunteer opportunities
sponsors have the option of conducting a clothing drive in advance;
clothing will be distributed to the community meal guests
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ADDITIONAL CORPORATE SPONSOR BENEFITS
corporate sponsors will have the option of inviting a Veahavta
representative to their corporate office, to deliver a presentation on
the topic of homelessness, followed by a question-and-answer period
The Community Meal Program presents an excellent team-building
opportunity for organizations and their employees
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
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$1,000 will provide a Community Meal for 150 individuals at the Parkdale
Activity and Recreation Centre
$3,000 will provide a Community Meal for 300 individuals at the Scott Mission
$6,000 will provide six Community Meals for 900 individuals at the Parkdale
Activity and Recreation Centre
$15,000 will provide five Community Meals for 1,500 individuals at the Scott Mission
$21,000 will provide eleven Community Meals for 2,400 individuals at the
Parkdale Activity and Recreation Centre and the Scott Mission
*Sponsorships above $5,000 are eligible for Veahavtas gala sponsor benefits
SUPPORT OPTIONS:
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WWW. VEAHAV TA. ORG