On Tuesday, May 21st, HBT board members and clergy spent the evening on the Ve’ahavta vans, launching our community into what we know will be another successful year serving the most vulnerable in our city.  

 As anyone who has volunteered on the Ve’ahavta vans would attest, it is an incredibly meaningful experience that opens your eyes to the challenges faced by our neighbors. Some are sleeping in converted hotels or shelters, others in tents on city streets, but all have fallen through the cracks of our social safety net. As volunteers, you assist the staff by giving out food and hot drinks as well as clothing and other essential supplies at regular stops in Toronto and Scarborough.  

 Volunteering with Ve’ahavta really gives you the opportunity to put our Jewish values into action, reaffirming that all human beings are created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. 

 Ve’ahavta sends two vans with volunteers and staff out into the community every night.  

As we did last summer and fall, the Holy Blossom community has committed to place volunteers on the vans for two shifts a month! This year they will rotate between Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate those with firm commitments on either night.  

 Please consider signing up for an evening – whether on your own, with friends, or with family. Teenagers preparing for their Bnai Mitzvah are welcome if they are accompanied by a parent. Be aware that the van has limited seating and only three volunteers per van can join the two staff members. The shifts specific to the Holy Blossom community include the following: 

•  Thursday, June 13 
• Thursday, July 11  
• Tuesday, July 23 
• Thursday, August 1 
• Tuesday, August 13 
• Thursday, August 29 
• Tuesday, September 10 
• Thursday, September 26 
• Tuesday, October 8 
• Thursday, October 24  
• Tuesday October 5 

 It is easier than ever to sign up!  

 Ve’ahavta has created an online volunteer portal that will allow you to access the Holy Blossom specific van opportunities (and sign up for either the Toronto or North/York Scarborough van).  The following quick and easy steps will allow you to register for this important work! 

1.   Create your account in Ve’ahavta’s online volunteer portal. If you’d like the convenience of an app in your phone, I encourage you to download the Bloomerang Volunteer mobile app (Android or IOS) to manage your profile, check in for your shift, book additional shifts, and more! 
2.  After creating your account, you can select the opportunities (programs) that interest you, by clicking on the green + signs associated with the opportunities. The HBT Community van program is called MJRH Outreach van – so be sure to select that! You can also register for Upper Shelf Warehouse, Recipe for Success kitchen, Make-A-Meal, Clothing Drive, etc. 
3.  For some opportunities, there will be a video for you to watch, questions or guidelines you will have to review. 
4.  Upon selection of opportunities, and agreeing to the conditions for participation, you are now ready to access the full schedule of available shifts. You can book, cancel, change your shifts, message the opportunity manager, and so much more. 

 

Thank you! We look forward to seeing our community out helping in the city this summer and fall. 

 

Megan Stephens, Volunteer Coordinator 
Rabbi Samuel Kaye