December 16, 2014

Dear OOTC friends,

It has been a fine start to another season of OOTC, # 15, I think! A fresh beginning in a welcoming environment is more than anyone could ask for.  Our St Mary’s hosts have provided a cook’s dream-of-a-kitchen and a reception hall in which our guests feel truly special.  I’ve even heard a few mention that the dance floor is tempting them.

Over the last month and a half, the number of guests have been less than the 120-160 guests of the past. OOTC now has seven dinner locations offering nine meals per week. Historically, it can take a while for a new location to become known.

You have identified yourself with a wonderful group. Through your efforts, more guests will become ‘regulars’ and you’ll be moving faster than the latkes and briskets from tonight’s dinner pans. Toronto rabbi, Michal Shekel, reminded us that, during the season of Sukkot, “the firmest foundations in our lives are not found in physical structures (like church halls), but in the partnerships we establish with others.”

Remember that, for some people in need, gaining trust in new situations can be particularly difficult. Others are reluctant to add another ‘hand-out’ to counteract their depleted resources.  For some people, OOTC is the answer to hunger, warmth and social contact.
To drive home that point, a few recent stories:

Two weeks ago, our guest Darryl who happens to have more spaces in his mouth than teeth, was disappointed because there were no soft bananas left, only hard apples.  One of our wonderful volunteers took notice of that and this past week, she brought several bananas to give to Darryl just in case bananas were not plentiful. As she was delivering the fruit, Darryl presented her with a Hanukkah greeting card. Just imagine the recognition of a relationship of mutual consideration and overflowing with gratitude and goodwill.  It was the most beautiful example of caring about each other.

Secondly, last Thursday at Walmart, I saw Cameron, a guest who for a few cold winters back in the James Street Baptist days, would dine at our locations and sleep over. We all knew Cameron as an educated man evidently with a hidden past or emotional challenges too complex for life on the grid.  Well, Cameron looks quite well; we spoke easily for a bit; I invited him to our new location; he’ll think about it.

One man from Mission Services said, “I eat out at a lot of ‘these types of places.’ This is by far the best food anywhere!”

So tonight, as we celebrate the festival of Hanukkah, the rededication of the Temple, let’s celebrate and dedicate ourselves to this especially important OOTC task.
There are those who give tzedakah with their hands, and this is a big mitzvah. But the greatest mitzvah is to give with your heart, a generosity accompanied with care, love and
concern.

Appreciation Night will be held at St. Mary's Church Hall on Wednesday, April 22

Tonight’s menu:  Vegetable barley soup, Brisket, Latkes with Applesauce, Tossed Salad, Hot Veggies, Fruit, Hanukkah Cookies by the Beth Jacob Bakers!