By Nancy Greene-Gregoire
Fundraising organizations continue to become innovative during this COVID-19 pandemic. The Mile End Community Mission teamed up with Peri Kalivrousis and Petros Taverna Laurier for their annual Thanksgiving Benefit Dinner. On October 22 the Mission moved their event, including guest speaker Rachel Bendayan (Outremont Liberal MP), to Zoom. All ticket purchasers were able to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Petros Laurier. Proceeds will benefit those living below the poverty line. Since the pandemic, the Mission has seen an 88% increase in bags distributed by the food bank. 150 individuals and families in the neighbourhood rely on the free hot meal program, and 800 masks have been distributed to the members. Demand continues to increase as the second wave of the pandemic arrives. “Behind the crisis of health and inequality looms another – that of loneliness and isolation,” said Director Linda (Lou) Hachey, “We look forward to a time and scenario where we can safely break bread together once again. In the meantime, we’re doing “community” in another way for a while.”
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| Peri prepares the meals. |
Petros Laurier prepared 34 dinners for us. Most people picked them up themselves, but we had a volunteer team that made about 10 deliveries. The Greek salad with the creamy feta, the divine salmon, the perfectly cooked chicken, the gorgeous stuffed peppers,and Loukoumades donuts with honey – everyone agreed that it was delicious!
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| Linda (Lou) Hachey |
We had 21 people join the Zoom, and it was memorable. Lou told us that everyone misses the community aspect of the Mission. People come early to line up for lunches and the food bags, just so they can have a chance to talk to each other, but it's not enough. Everyone is afraid of what winter will bring. The Mission will continue to do all it can for the people who need help.
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| Nancy Greene-Gregoire |
Joanne Racette introduced the art program she has run at the Mission since 2004. The pandemic stopped them from meeting at the Mission, but they met in local parks throughout the summer and everyone brought their own art supplies and masks. When the weather gets colder they will send their art to Joanne via Messenger, and she will continue to post it on the Mission’s facebook page every week. Art helps with our mental health and Joanne encourages all of us to create art.
We held a silent auction during the Zoom event, with gift certificates from Drawn&Quarterly, Bishop&Bagg, artisan soap from Crate 61, a year-long VIP pass to the Museum of Fine Arts as well as a Montreal Canadiens hockey shirt and a cap signed by Carey Price. We raised $660 this way!
Rachel Bendayan, our local MP, joined us near the end of the evening and spoke to us of her firm commitment to supporting Universal Basic Income, something dear to the hearts of all who work with those who live below the poverty line. She was glad to know that the Anglican Bishops across Canada had written to the government in support of basic income. This and the needs of the Mission encourage her to continue to push for what the people want.
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| Stephane Gregoire |
The discussion throughout the evening was intense, and it was so special to hear from so many of the Mission members! We all have fears and worries about the coming of winter. The Mission isn’t collecting clothes now because of COVID-19, so they don't have winter coats for members, nor sleeping bags for the homeless members. It was especially touching when two of the members talked about how they look through the line each week and make a special effort to speak to those who look the most withdrawn or scared. It gave us a clear picture of how hard life is for some of us.
For more information go to https://mileendmission.org.
Also log on to www.restaurantpetros.com.
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