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Debbie: JFSA Basic Resource Services Dept.

While volunteering at the Vancouver Jewish Food Bank recently, Debbie Rootman experienced something that made her realize the difference she was making in someone else’s life.

She had finished her volunteer shift and was counting and packing up all the leftover goods into a storage closet. Debbie likens this task to putting together a puzzle, as the space is small and the goods need to be packed efficiently. As she was finishing up her complex task, two clients arrived. One had traveled from White Rock with her two children, hoping to recieve some food. Debbie went back to the storage closet and unpacked everything so that the client could leave with her bags full.

“It made me feel good that we didn’t turn them away,” she says. We open our arms to everyone.”

Debbie knows the food bank, which is run by JFSA and Jewish Women International BC, makes a difference in people’s lives. It offers fresh produce from the JFSA
community garden and canned goods to those who need it. One family in particular sticks out in her mind – they have five children and the wife travels on the Skytrain and bus to take back several bags of food and packages of diapers.

“That makes me feel good that we can provide something for her,” Debbie says.

She says the face of clients who use the food bank has changed. In the past, it was mostly people on fixed incomes and seniors. Now it’s younger families and young adults who have lost their jobs or are experiencing other difficulties. The close relationship the Jewish Food Bank has with other food banks and kitchens in the Lower Mainland ensures that no donation gets wasted. Debbie stresses that this is just the nature of such an important community service.

“There’s a lot of people who are doing the right thing and a lot of unsung heroes,” she says. “The community knows that if there’s a need, they can fulfill it.”

Diane: JFSA Development Dept.

Diane Switzer is a former president of the JFSA Board of Directors. She held that role between 1994 and 1997. Although it’s been more than a decade since she’s been on the board, her connection to the agency remains strong – Diane continues to be a proud donor.

She considers JFSA to be one of the only organizations committed almost solely to the most vulnerable population of the community - be it through feeding the less privileged, helping immigrants resettle or offering counselling to those who need it. During her time at JFSA, Diane witnessed a wave of Yugoslavian immigrants coming through the agency, looking for help and guidance.

“For all those things that newcomers need, JFSA has always made a difference,” she said.

Diane commends the staff and volunteers at JFSA for being the most dedicated she’s seen in an organization.

“People stay with the organization for a very long time,” she said.

Diane uses herself as an example. Her personal experience with the agency has helped make it part of her life to this day.

“I give to JFSA as my specific charity of choice in the community because of that connection to service delivery,” she said. “You know that your money is going to programs that help the vulnerable in our community.”