Providing lunch and other essentials at the Bissell Centre in Edmonton

by Regan Lipes

(AJNews) – It has been bitter cold in the City of Champions.  The wind has been blowing with icy bone-chilling intensity.  Edmontonians are thanking their lucky stars that they opted for insulating their vehicles, and the numbers of bus patrons opting for Ubers is leaving streets empty. When it gets this cold water-cooler-chatter is dominated by discussions over thermal garments and proper insolation while darting from work to car at the end of the day, but what about those who huddle in doorways or shield themselves from blowing snow with cardboard boxes – what of them?  The marginalized within society are even more vulnerable during wintery weather like this, and many struggle simply to survive.

The annual Jewish community Bissell Centre lunch, organized by Beth Israel Synagogue and its partners in the greater Jewish community does its part to provide for some immediate needs for those Edmontonians experiencing homelessness.  This is not the only time of year when the Jewish community engages with the Bissell Centre. Every year, during the winter holidays, Beth Shalom Synagogue also organizes a highly regarded and well attended lunch service.

On Sunday, March 2, a team of volunteers will be distributing pre-packed lunches and hot coffee to those most in need of compassion and good-will.  Along with non-perishable food, these bundles will include some necessary personal items that many might easily take for granted but mean so much to those accustomed to going without new insulating warm socks, mitts, hats, and scarves.

One staff member, Maria, commented recently that: “Our community continues to be challenged by the police and clean-up crews taking away peoples’ belongings almost daily so that they have to start rebuilding their lives again and again.”  The challenges endured by those experiencing homelessness are such that even the most basic of personal items become luxuries. Maria continued: “Homelessness is increasing, and these NGOs were the last line of defense for many of our community members, who are also seeing increases in amputations and overdoses. No one should have to live like this. Affordable and supporting housing cures homelessness.”

As with any large community chessed effort, volunteers and donations are much needed.  Some volunteers will meet in advance to sort and prepare these lunches for distribution, some will transport these much-needed goods, and a smaller number will serve guests to the Bissell Centre during the  lunch on March 2.  Even those who cannot be accommodated inside because of occupancy restrictions will still have their needs addressed. Volunteers from the Jewish community will also be distributing lunches to people outside the doors so that no one will be missed.

No donation is too small, and those who are able are invited to visit the Beth Israel Synagogue website to see what non-perishable food items are being collected. These donations can be dropped off at Beth Israel or Talmud Torah School. Cash donations are also graciously received so that organizers can purchase the goods needed.  Please visit https://volunteersignup.org/WRQXB to sign up to donate food, cash donations (select ‘Bissell Centre Lunch’ on the drop-down menut) can be made online by visiting  https://www.familyshul.org/payment.php, or contact Sylvia in the Beth Israel office with any questions: sylvia@familyshul.org.  Please sign up to donate today, or to volunteer for this worthwhile cause.

Please be part of uplifting someone’s spirits in these difficult times.  Join with Beth Israel Synagogue, the Talmud Torah Society, Jewish Family Services, Alberta Jewish News, Beth Shalom Synagogue, the Jewish National Fund of Canada, the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, Brook’s NoFrills, the Jewish Drop-in Centre, Na’amat, Temple Beth Ora, and the Jewish Federation of Edmonton in joining the greater Edmonton Jewish Community to help make a difference in the lives of our vulnerable fellow residents.

Regan Lipes is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter