By Michael Regenstreif, Editor

Thanks to a large donation of face masks and bottles of hand sanitizer from Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA, the Jewish Federation of Ottawa distributed the supplies to Jewish social service agencies, schools and congregations – as well as to several social service agencies in the broader Ottawa community on November 24.

Approximately 80,000 masks and 3,500 bottles of hand sanitizers were distributed to aid the organizations in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Organizations in the Jewish community which received supplies included the Soloway Jewish Community Centre, the Ottawa Jewish Community School, Torah Day School of Ottawa, Tamir, Hillel Lodge, Jewish Family Services of Ottawa, Chabad of Centrepointe, the Chabad Student Network, Congregation Beit Tikvah, Congregation Lubavitich, Congregation Machzikei Hadas, Kehillat Beth Israel, Or Haneshamah, Ottawa Torah Centre, Chabad Hebrew School, Temple Israel, Young Israel of Ottawa, and the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank.

Organizations in the broader Ottawa community which received supplies included Shepherds of Good Hope, Causeway Work Centre, Ottawa West Community Support, and Somerset West Community Health Centre. The largest single donation of masks – 20,000 – was given to Shepherds of Good Hope which serves Ottawa’s homeless population.

“This endeavour is a shining example of why I am truly proud to be the chair of the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. Obtaining the donation offered by JFC-UIA, and then reaching out to both our Jewish community and the broader Ottawa community to help provide some additional safety in a difficult time, represents the spirit of tzedakah that is the reason for the organization’s existence,” said Federation Chair Michael Polowin.

“It felt great helping to load up the cars and vans of colleagues with masks and sanitizers, knowing they are helping to keep clients and members of over 20 community organizations healthy and safe during this pandemic,” added Federation President and CEO Andrea Freedman.

Photo 1: (From left) Jewish Federation of Ottawa President and CEO Andrea Freedman, Federation Chair Michael Polowin assist Jewish Family Services of Ottawa Associate Executive Director Andrea Gardner in loading boxes of masks and hand sanitizer earmarked for JFS into her vehicle. (Click on the image to see its full resolution.)

Photo 2: Federation and Hillel Lodge officials prepare to move boxes of hand sanitizer from the Soloway Jewish Community Centre across the parking lot to the Lodge.

Photo 3: Federation Chair Michael Polowin (right) with a Shepherds of Good Hope official loading boxes of donated masks into the Shepherds’ vehicle.