MADA - the Largest Food Charity in Québec - Officially Opens New Community Centre

Mayor Denis Coderre to preside over ribbon-cutting ceremony

MONTREAL, Oct. 14, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - MADA, a non-profit community centre, founded in 1993, that helps people in need by providing the basic necessities of life while preserving their dignity and helping them become self-sufficient, today announced the official opening of its new community centre. Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre will preside over a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 21 at 6 PM. Located at 6875 Décarie, corner Vézina, the new centre represents a permanent home for the MADA community – patrons, volunteers and staff.

Montreal has the highest rate of poverty among large Canadian cities. In response to this social crisis, MADA distributed more than 4,000,000 kilograms of kosher food and 1,700 volunteers served 360,000 kosher meals in 2014 – making it the largest food charity in Québec. However, what really distinguishes MADA is its commitment to dignity towards some of the most vulnerable people in society. Feeding people is often the end result but the approach involves opening hearts, acting as an extended family and treating people with respect.

"Our commitment is to help people who need it the most," says Rabbi Chaim Cohen, Executive Director, MADA. "Our centre is rooted in Jewish tradition but we welcome, support and embrace all people, irrespective of religion, race or nationality. Sadly, we are seeing an increase in the number of people who need our services. There are several reasons for this, including an ageing population, a tough economy and challenges for recent immigrants. Poverty may seem invisible to some, but it is at our doorstep. We also see large numbers of people who are alone – cut-off from their families and friends. Tragically, this group even includes Holocaust survivors. We need to help our community by providing an extended family. Much work remains to be done and we will not rest until we have helped everyone in Montreal in need."

"A lot of people in Montreal depend on MADA," says Laurent Bensemana, Volunteer and Donor, MADA. "Our goal is to almost triple the number of meals served – to one million per year – by 2025. This is why our new centre is so important. It provides the infrastructure necessary to expand our meal programs and numerous other initiatives including a clothing store, a furniture depot, counselling services, classes and social events. Our team is incredibly committed and hard-working. But, we will not be able to grow without tremendous support from the community – from both donors and volunteers."

About MADA

Founded in 1993, MADA is a volunteer-based organization that relies upon private donations from individuals and foundations. We provide our patrons with many social and crisis services free of charge, and serve as a safe haven for those in need. MADA's mission is to help people in need with the basic necessities of life while preserving their dignity and helping them become self-sufficient. MADA's food bank offers a wide variety of essential items at no charge. Our cafeteria ends the loneliness and indignity of hunger in an uplifting environment. Friendly volunteers bring delicious meals directly to patrons' tables, restaurant style. MADA also brings meals and friendly visits to elderly patrons with limited mobility. For more information on these and other services, please visit www.madacenter.com.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, October 21.
Location: MADA Community Centre, 6875 Boul. Décarie.
Format: Media tours will be given from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
The ceremony will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Ribbon-cutting by Mayor Coderre will be at 6:00 PM.

SOURCE MADA

Journalists interested in attending the event, interviewing Rabbi Chaim Cohen or Laurent Bensemana, are invited to contact Mark Lowe, Seefeld Group, at [email protected], [phone] or [phone]