Whether in the festive lights snug around the city or ice frozen over the ground, it is that time of year again—‘tis the season for kindness. This time our holiday acts take a pitstop at The Vancouver Jewish Family Services.
Image courtesy of Rowan Meredith.
A Festive-Sized Basket
Well over 80 years ago, in 1936, the organization came about to help both the elderly who resided in Vancouver and new immigrants who had left Europe. Now, they have branched off to assist people of all ages belonging to the Jewish community. Their annual Hanukkah Hamper Helpers program is a staple of this. It was designed to bring some cheer to those who otherwise could not afford it by matching donors with families to curate a festive-sized basket. With a deadline of November 27, Random Acts’ Regional Representative Rowan Meredith decided to add another kindness notch to her name by signing up.
Eight Gifts For Eight Days
Rowan used a gift guide given by the Jewish Family Services Program to stock up on crafting and art supplies, hats and thermal socks, games and puzzles, and chocolate coins. They found a home inside a backpack, a recommendation by the organization as it can seemingly be reused. Under COVID-safety restrictions, the backpack was then to be left at the door. “The organization was very happy with the donation,” Rowan said before further commenting that “the person we met at the door was excited to hear about Random Acts and is looking forward to learning more about it.”