February 7, 2025

 Dear friends, 

After every meal, all of the coordinators share what they served, statistics, stories and successes in an email thread. Two days ago, I wrote:

“We are new; tell us what to do!”  Eight fresh volunteers were introduced to OOTC.  They were eager and before long, they were laughing and singing in four languages:  English, Hebrew, Spanish, French.  Hunger knows no borders and cooking brings people together.”   

This morning from Janice and Kathy in our office:

Dear Team OOTC,

Your message fills our hearts in the office, Cindy!! Thank you - for providing a welcoming space for people to experience the richness of HOOTC!!! For those of us lucky enough to experience the joy in a kitchen full of people creating food for perfect strangers, we completely understand. 

We had a call today from a guest (Jason B.) who called to say "thank you" and "You guys should be so proud of yourselves!" He would also like you to share some recipes because he said "seriously, your food is so good!" 

We want you to know that in your kitchen you create amazing meals and pour so much love into every single one!! Thank you for continuing the work out in our community. 

Kathy and Janice 

The staff of Erskine Presbyterian and The Colin MacDonald School absolutely love the aromas and sounds created by all of you. It brings them such inner strength and warmth to be present along with our program.

This all reminds me of a message presented by Rabbi Angela Bukhdahl this week. (I edit quite fiercely but please listen to the teaching in its entirety here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/central-synagogue-podcast/id1480041703?i=1000683950776)

“This new definition of tikkun olam is presented not as fixing the world as we usually think about it, but braiding the world together. We all know what it's like to imagine that the world is broken and needs fixing, and that we are the ones who can fix it. …There is much hubris in that kind of thinking…..What if the tikkun that the world and we ourselves need is not fixing, but braiding? A return to the awareness in the deepest part of our beings that we are all interconnected. Robin Wall Kimmerer writes in her book Braiding Sweetgrass, “Each person is bound to every other in a reciprocal relationship. Just as all beings have a duty to me, I have a duty to them. If an animal gives its life to feed me, I am in turn bound to support its life. If I receive a gift of pure water then I'm responsible for returning a gift in kind. An integral part of a human's education is to know those duties and how to perform them.” 

Rabbi Bukhdahl continues,  “What if we went through the world and understood that our responsibility for Tikun Olam was not to go through the world with a hammer and a nail, like a carpenter looking for broken things that we would come and fix. But if Tikun Olam was imagining ourselves as a thread looking to weave into a thicker fabric of society. Braiding is so very different than fixing.”

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to perform this mitzvah with all of you. Enjoy a little longer break before we see you again on Feb. 26, March 5 and March 19.

Shabbat Shalom,
Cindy

January 12, 2025

 Happy New Year Dear OOTC Friends and Supporters,

We are almost halfway through our 2024-2025 Season, so how about we check in on the progress we have made so far.

Committed Volunteers!!! Just before last Wednesday, when our staffing was going to be lighter than usual, I suggested we’d benefit with a few extra people and longer shifts, you all complied so generously with your time. 

We even welcomed an unexpected new person: Public Health Inspector Kristy. The facility and our team passed! Kristy said that she has inspected a lot of groups in operation but never witnessed a group having so much fun doing good. I’m soooo proud of all of you and “You Look Mahvelous” in hairnets.  Keep up the good work.

The meals are so delicious, hearty, nutritious and the portions are VERY generous.  For instance, on Wednesday, guests picked up bags filled with pea soup, meatloaf, green beans in a Greek tomato/onion/garlic/oil slurry, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, mixed bean and vegetable salad, bananas, bread, cookies.  Cases of free beets, artichokes, endive, radiccio, sno peas were offered to our guests at our open-air market.  Sunny, very little wind, -7 degrees. Two hundred and fifty-two meals were prepared, 238 distributed curbside and the rest were delivered to The Locke Street Fridge and The Hub.  (They received a half case of bananas too.)  

Meals prepared this season: 914
Meals delivered curbside: 860

In preparation for an OOTC retreat next week, I reviewed our food costs for the last two seasons and this season so far.  (The retreat will be focusing on everything from a review of our last 5-year plan to a new plan, reviews of surveys from community partners, guests, volunteers; strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities; group reports, income and expenses.) Prices for fresh produce have risen dramatically. Overall, we are spending 40% more on food.  Meat represents 35% of our food costs.  We purchase meat when it is deeply discounted and use it right away or freeze for future use. So, if you see wacky waving inflatable arm flailing tubemen near the chicken or ground lean beef, load up for us please!!

We all agree that the addition of the Colin McDonald school at Erskine is a win-win.  Just before Christmas, the children learned about our program and the people it serves and the faith communities who respond to poverty in their neighbourhood.  We were so overwhelmed with emotion to read the 250 messages of love, hope, reassurance and kindness that the children created and were placed in our takeaway bags.  Check out the picture. 

Since we began this season, we have made space, metaphorically and physically, out there on the driveway and curb to chat, kibbitz, listen to our guests, learn their names, find something new and warm for them to take away.  Civil law is built around rights; Jewish law is built around obligations.  A man recently shared, “Two years ago, you saved my life.” He, like many others, trust us to be their consistent partners, to use positive language in our greetings and conversations and to make their challenges feel just a bit lighter.

Keep doing what you’re doing and if you want to be part of our greeters out there, you are warmly welcome!!

Finally, the remaining OOTC dates are Jan. 22, Feb. 5, 26, followed just a week later on March 5 and our final dinner March 19.

See you soon, Cindy

April 22, 2024

 Dear Friends,

On the precipice of Passover, we haven’t far to look for commonalities between the Feast of Freedom and our response in the form of Hamilton Out of the Cold. Our obligation to remember that we were once vulnerable slaves in Egypt makes it incumbent on us now and forever to fight for those who struggle.

Knowing another person’s or community’s struggles may be the only way to bring about real social change. Human rights attorney, Bryan Stevenson, writes about the need to get proximate to those who are suffering. “We cannot change global injustice today if we isolate ourselves in places that are safe and removed and disconnected. To change the world, we're going to have to find ways to get close to the people who are living on the margins of society.” We can't solve problems or build bridges from a distance. Only when we are in relationship can we hear things we wouldn't otherwise hear, be exposed to ideas and context we wouldn't otherwise consider. As Stevenson says, “There is power when we get proximate. Only then can we have mercy and compassion.”

The Out of the Cold program enables us to do just that. Did you know that chatting with guests who are sorting through clothes from the trunk of your car can be bonding?  Me: Why do you need to replace socks? He: Because the rainstorm flooded the tent, completely drenching sleepmats, blankets, … everything.

Me: Can you stay with anyone? He: Used to stay with my sister but now, she stays with me.

Me: I’m sorry we ran out of meals; can we give you cans of tuna and chili? He: Yes, anything is good.  My meal was going to be ketchup.

Me: Where is your accent from?  She: I’m from Palestine. Me: It’s terrible what is happening in the Middle East. You must be worried for people you know there. She: Yes, it is terrible.  I have little food; they have less.  Me:  The Out of the Cold group hosting today’s meal is the Jewish Community and I am Jewish.  My prayers always end with the wish for peace.  She and Me: hug.

Some statistics: Ever grateful, 1,245 guests picked up 2,636 meals over 11 weeks. (Last year, 1,257 guests. I don’t know that much about Auston Matthews target of 70 goals in one season, but at 69, I know enough that he can’t be branded a loser, nor are WE!)   The huge difference lies in the cost.  Our food costs alone increased by $2,327.  Each Wednesday meal cost on average $790. Each curbside dinner cost $3.30, 71 cents more than last year.  Just imagine how much more it would be without the generous ‘donations in kind,’ from Lococos and Fortinos and the ‘to-the-ends-of-the-earth’ shopping trips to source discounted or free food!!

More importantly, we must look beyond the statistics because, at HOOTC, we are focused on PEOPLE, the ‘us’, the ‘them’, the ‘collective.’   Rabbi Shai Held writes, “As Jews, we have moral obligations which are incumbent upon us because of the simple fact that we are human beings. In its recurrent appeals to memory, the Torah seeks to amplify and intensify those obligations, to remind us, even when it is difficult to hear, that the fate of the stranger is our responsibility. This mandate may seem overwhelming at times, and its concrete implications may sometimes be difficult to discern. But loving the stranger is fundamental and lies at the heart of Torah…we have no choice but to wrestle with these words and to seek to grow in empathy and compassion.”

There is no better place to grow in empathy and compassion than in the OOTC kitchen and halls with volunteers who bring energy, humour, wisdom, creativity and flavour from their own life experiences. Ask any coordinator (aka task master hiding whip) how thousands of bags of sustenance get to people in need, and all will look to YOU.  Commitment to caring is everything. Although, HOOTC is finished for the season, your purpose doesn’t end. As Rabbi Sharon Brous writes in The Amen Effect, “The answers are found in the service. Practice asking yourself at the start of each day, how can I be of service today? What can I do today to help another person? Just the questions will awaken you to the many daily opportunities we all have to do something small, even seemingly insignificant, for another person. When we habituate to seizing those small moments, we may discover that without even meaning to, we've landed on our purpose.”

May you and your families experience the upcoming seasons in good health and may we all be together again soon. Chag Pesach Sameach.

Cindy 

February 24, 2023

 …. is there any other kind?

Hello Volunteers and Supporters of every type imaginable,

So much to report but so little time before Shabbat, so it’ll come fast and fuzzy.

- Our on site team at Erskine have filled the ovens like never before.  This Wednesday, in the ice storm, the cooks and packagers  prepared 247 meals of which 242 were picked up at the Church door instead of at the curb.  Guests received either an entree of chicken parmesan, salad, spaghetti with tomato sauce, OR roast beef, mashed potatoes, hot veggies along with a banana, home baking. The only item missing this week was hot soup which we just couldn’t handle without our full roster of cooks. An aside, several guests hinted strongly that they would welcome an invitation to eat their meals quickly indoors as the rain/ice/snow/wind was too much for their usual ‘eat at the park bench’ experience.  

- Please read the heartfelt and helpful letter attached from one of your guests.  It’ll warm you on the coldest of February days. 

- Our Board and coordinators will be meeting in a couple of weeks to discuss next year’s delivery of meals.  I’d like to hear your opinions on the following: 

* How have you felt about the current meal service?

* How would you feel about the possibility of returning to meals being served in our sites?

* What would be your volunteer willingness to serve and be on that last shift during sit down meals?

* We also have a potential hybrid meal delivery model for sites.

Reminders:  Our last two dinners will be March 8 and 22.  We are a fragrance free team. 

Be well, Shabbat Shalom and from my heart, thank you for all you do for others.

Cindy

Dec. 19, 2023

Hanukkah Edition

This evening, Lowell and I lit the first candle of our chanukkiah with our daughters and granddaughters on FaceTime. Instantly, it brought us all joy. 

The holiday reminds us to continue the tradition of brightening the darkness with light. 

Every other Wednesday, our Out of the Cold group brightens people’s days and nights. Instead of being paralyzed with hands tied and unable to spark a resistance against poverty, we are Judah the Maccabee-sized-heroes!  We illuminate a solution to inspire a movement that brightens the paths of others whose worlds need saving.  Our guests share their struggles with us and are met with more kindness than they ever thought possible.  The dreidels in this week’s gift bags of toiletries, socks, etc. may symbolize the hope and partnerships needed to combat their challenges. 

Our heroes give their time, their money, they sweeten our meals with home baked goodies, donate toiletries, clothes, food, sundries and much much more. Each gift brings dignity and humanity to someone. I promise. 

The Mishna teaches us: There is one who gives generously, yet ends with more.

Here are some of our recently ‘approved’ heroes :)  Please show your support. 

Gastro Market and Catering, King St. E.,  providing appetizers
Fortinos Main Street West, bread
Lococo’s, both locations produce and fruit
Soldaat’s Poultry
Infarm hydroponic farm in Mt. Hope. Their lettuces and herbs yields more than their purchasers’ needs, so we are privileged to accept their fresh gifts.
Costco Business Centre, St Catherines - beef and chicken
Mrs. Sylvia Johnson, 92 years old and blind who knitted dishcloths for our guests’ gift bags 

May your holiday bring you peace and fulfillment, good health and joy.

Cindy

Nov. 3, 2022

 Hi everyone, 

What a beautiful day to welcome back our guests and volunteers.

Our group prepared 200 meals that included DELICIOUS roasted chicken over Thai pasta with vegetables, fruit, baked goods from Nancy, Jane, Gail AND Betina, leftover Halloween treats, obviously, etc.  Ninety-one guests took away 157 meals. 

Twenty meals went to the community fridge at Barton and James.  I’ve heard it is always empty which was almost the case. Two containers of rotting asparagus in the fridge and zero in the pantry.  As I was loading the fridge with the full bags, people starting to come out from nowhere. Please believe me when I tell you that their need was clear and unmistakable. Another 15 meals went to the community fridge on Ottawa St. 

The breads from Fortinos were plentiful and Lococo’s gave us a cases of bananas, berries and avocados for our outdoor market. The generosity is never ending.  Our chicken wholesaler, Soldaats, actually lowered their price even after I begged them to raise it after four years without any increase.  St. Mary’s Catholic High School invited us on Tuesday to load up on their Scare Hunger Halloween Food Drive.  Now, THAT was fun!

Please spread the word to any potential bakers that their specialties are always welcome!  Toiletries, socks, gloves are being collected too. 

Why do we go to these great efforts?  It is always for our guests.  We all are shocked at grocery store prices and inflation at every turn.  Your commitment to making the lives of others healthier and less challenging is spoken of by our guests frequently.  

Let a new season of kindness be born.

Thanks to all of you.

Cindy

Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022

 We begin our group’s 24th year THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 !

Erskine Presbyterian is located at 19 Pearl St. N, just north of King Street West.  The parking lot is reserved for church staff and programs that are finally in-person and busy again.  Please find parking on side streets and mind the time restrictions.  The church entrance door is up the ramp adjacent to the parking lot.  Ring the bell and we will come running to let you in.

Volunteers are required to self-monitor for symptoms before leaving home. If any symptoms develop or if contact is made with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, volunteers must advise their coordinator, me, immediately.

If you are new to our amazing group, please bring in a proof of vaccination. At least two vaccinations are required.  Booster shots are highly recommended. We require all volunteers to use masks and/or shields while on site.  All are provided or bring your own.

Upon arriving, each volunteer must complete the Hamilton Out of the Cold sign in sheet and provide contact information should contact tracing be required. The sign in sheet is in the Blue Room which was formally the Yellow Room.  The new paint colour is called “Bit of Heaven” - totally serious!!  Please record your name, phone number and time you arrived and before leaving, record the time. This will be helpful if we need to quickly contact trace. 

As before, wash your hands with soap in the small kitchen sink and report to duty.

Bring your own apron if you like. 

Kitchen cooking crew must don provided hair nets or full coverage hats.

My cell phone number is ... and I have had my ducts cleaned recently.)  Otherwise, call me if you are running late or cannot attend at the last minute. If you know of vacations or dates that you are unable to attend, please let me know, email, text or call, in advance so that replacements can be arranged.

As always, we welcome your input now or anytime. Our program is better because of you!  

See you this Wednesday, November 2.  

Cindy