One of the greatest virtues of the human being is showing thankfulness. These days especially, showing gratitude to those who are saving our lives is of the highest order. Specifically, we need to show our recognition to the frontline workers who are putting their lives on the line every day during this unprecedented pandemic!
In truth, we should all be going out there at this time visiting the doctors and nurses in the hospitals and expressing our thanks and love to them. But if we cannot get in to visit our own family members there, how can we expect to contact those who are in the COVID-19 wards and on the front lines?!
Enter the “Mugs for Nurses” initiative, a grassroots program organized by Chabad Jewish Centres across the Greater Toronto Area in conjunction with representatives from the hospitals to accomplish just that: letting our heroes know that we appreciate them and are thinking about them!
Thousands of coffee mugs were purchased and decorated at home by the teen volunteers from the respective sponsoring communities. The mugs were then accompanied with coffee gift cards from Starbucks and Tim Hortons beautifully wrapped and delivered to the hospital staff who distributed it to the doctors and nurses.
What started out as a humble project run by the Chabad of Markham community catering to one hospital developed into a city-wide ambitious campaign including many Chabad Centers across the GTA.
On Chanukah alone, over 2000 mugs with cards were prepared and delivered to the frontline workers as a result of these efforts.
Joining the forces with their loving dedication to the cause and generosity were Chabad of Bayview, Chabad of Downtown, Chabad of the Beaches, Chabad of Durham Region, Chabad of Midtown, Chabad of York University and Chabad of Mississauga.
The beautifully personalized mugs were delivered to the hospitals including Mackenzie Health, Mt. Sinai, North York, Sunnybrook, Southlake, St. Mikes and Credit Valley Hospital.
One Nurse said: “It is so touching to know that people are thinking about us and appreciate what we are doing. Sure, it gets tough, but this encouragement makes all the difference.”
Thank you Sanchia Rabin for her tireless effort on this program together with Chabad of Markham’s Tikkun Olam and Sisterhood committee.
May all the hospital shut down with refuah Shelaima immediately to all Moshiach Now!!!