Issue 9 I  September 2017   
Chai Notes
Our quarterly newsletter to keep you informed and updated about Chai Lifeline Canada's kids, families & events. 


 
While the summer has come to an end and we are approaching the new year , Chai Lifeline Canada has been busier than ever! From sending kids to Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special , our six family events (July and August alone) in Toronto and Montreal, to free tickets to various concerts and amusement centres . Moreover, Camp Lifeline , our medically supervised day camp in Toronto and our Penina's Helping Hand Disney Trip ended our summer off with a bang ! We have been very busy ensuring every child has an incredible summer !
 
                Back to school is a particularly busy time at Chai Lifeline. Many children are returning to school for their first time in months. Some children will unfortunately miss their first day of school due to an illness or hospital appointments.  Chai Lifeline is there to help every step of the way providing families with free school supplies, social interventions, and tutoring to ensure every child feels comfortable going back to school.

Thank you for continuing to help the children and their families in our community as Chai Lifeline Canada continues to grow in order to support their needs.
 
 
               Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year,

Sincerely,

Rabbi Mordechai Rothman M.A
Executive Director
Chai Lifeline Canada
A special THANK YOU from our Volunteer Coordinators
"Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless." ~ S Anderson

As we reflect on the past year, particularly  the past few months, we are filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand it is heartbreaking to know that the need for our support in the community is becoming more and more, with 47 new families in the past year alone. On the other hand, we are so grateful and proud that we are truly able to help in a way no one else can, during the most difficult time in their lives. And we are able to do that, because of our incredible network of volunteers who are committed to our cause.
 
This summer has definitely been our busiest one yet! Volunteers have been pitching in around the clock helping in so many different ways, from doing shifts at the hospital relieving a family from a child's bedside, taking out families while their parent/sibling was in the hospital, driving family members to and from appointments, helping out with grocery shopping, running errands, and so much more. You all continue to amaze us with your dedication, some of you even driving as far as two hours out of the city to help out a family in need. It is a true testament to your connection with Chai Lifeline.  We cannot thank you enough, and consider it an honour to work alongside you!
 
May this year be filled with only health, happiness and good news for all of our families and volunteers. Wishing you all a  Shana Tova!

  Sincerely, 
Nechama & Lindsay, Volunteer Coordinators
Toronto Division

Where some of the best memories are made in flip flops
Penina's Helping Hand Summer Trip
August 2017
It's been a summer to remember. Here's just a little glimpse of some of the magic that happened this summer. Thanks to the generosity of some corporate donors and with your support:
 
  • 17 Chai Warriors attended Camp Lifeline.
  • 15 kids affected by a very ill parent went to Disney World for 3 days as part of the Penina's Helping Hand trip.
  • We sent families and warriors to various concerts & shows; Coldplay Concert, Cavalia by Cirque du Soleil, True North Rock Climbing, Reptilia, CN Tower & CN Tower Edge Walk, Jungle Cat World, Woodbine Fantasy Fair, Playdium, Ripley's Aquarium, Pirate Life and a private rooftop concert with Jewish Music Superstar Benny Friedman!
 
Camp Lifeline Summer 2017 - Located at the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto
Photo Credit: Ben Katan, Katan Studios 
Montreal Region
Chai Lifeline Montreal has had an incredible summer!

In what has now become a yearly tradition, La Ronde and Six Flags invited our Montreal families for an incredible afternoon at their amusement center. Over 180 people joined us on an afternoon of rides, games and fun! And who doesn't love trucks? THANK YOU to Hewitt CAT Montreal for inviting our warriors for a special VIP tour of their offices. We were treated to truck rides, behind-the-scenes explanations of what each vehicle does and, of course, PIZZA! Every child also left with an incredible gift bag as a keepsake.

We know that going back to school can be a stressful time for everyone, so we try to help out as best we can. This year, not only did we give out over 100 fully loaded school bags to our families, but we also had a party at our office. Our families were treated to new shoes, dress shirts, reusable water bottles and Hockey Posters . We even had a Cotton Candy Machine on-site to really make it a party!

The Chai Lifeline Montreal continues to grow and thrive thanks to the incredible community and support from our volunteers and donors. A special Thank You goes to Avi Iczkovits & Shuly Vorhand who biked an incredible 180 miles over 2 days finishing their ride at the worlds greatest finish line - Camp Simcha, raising an impressive $200K together for the kids of Chai!
  








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