Article Published In The

B’nai Brith Food Basket ready for Passover

Wednesday, 6 April 2011

On the eve of Passover, volunteers from the MontrealB’nai Brith Food Basket Program are once again rising to the occasion to ensure those less fortunate have an enjoyable holiday just as they do during Rosh Hashanah. The B’nai Brith volunteers pack, distribute and deliver more than 4,000 food baskets each year.

As well, the B’nai Brith program provides assistance to three other organizations, all well known for supporting the less fortunate. The Generations Foundation, which helps feed hungry students, receives yogurt and milk products; the Sun Youth Organization receives kosher chickens twice a year; and the MADA kosher kitchen gets 30 to 50 loaves of bread per week.

Montreal B’nai Brith Food Baskets Inc. was established in 1947 by Maple Leaf Lodge, beginning modestly with about 100 baskets. More than 60 years later the need for assistance continues to grow.

The committee purchases all the products included in each kosher food basket to ensure uniformity and kashruth. This program is run independently from all other Jewish organizations in the community. All of the labour and administration is done by volunteers, alleviating any expenses. Money for the campaign is raised from an annual golf tournament, and direct solicitation and donations. The campaign has also recently launch edits first website (www.bnaibrith-foodbaskets.com).

Those in need of a kosher food basket must apply to one of a number of social agencies such as Agence Ometz, Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, South Shore Jewish Community, Jewish General Hospital, Jewish Women International, Synagogues, CLSC, and other agencies.