Jewish teens honoured for helping the community
YorkRegion.com - June 11, 2010
Held at Petah Tikva Synagogue in North York, the evening featured a video presentation recapping activities and fundraisers undertaken by TFC - a project of Chabad Youth Network in Thornhill - and an award ceremony officiated by the Hon. Peter Shurman, MPP.
Jewish teens honoured for helping the community
YorkRegion.com - June 11, 2010
About 100 teens, parents, dignitaries and rabbis celebrated the end of another productive year of service at the annual Teens for the Community recognition dinner at the end of May.
Held at Petah Tikva Synagogue in North York, the evening featured a video presentation recapping activities and fundraisers undertaken by TFC - a project of Chabad Youth Network in Thornhill - and an award ceremony officiated by the Hon. Peter Shurman, MPP.
The evening's primary purpose was to pay tribute to the growing number of teenagers who meet regularly to co-ordinate various activities and fundraisers to assist the underprivileged, the elderly, needy children and fellow teens stricken with cancer within our community
TFC member Arielle Strasser, said, "We organized a basketball tournament to support a young Jewish boy with cancer. His treatment is difficult on his family, both emotionally and financially - and through the tournament, we were able to help provide him with some necessary diversions to make his, and his family's journey a little easier? It isn't difficult to participate in events like these ... and when it has the added benefit of helping those in our community ... it makes us feel great."
While TFC, overseen by Rabbi Shmuli Nachlas, is still a fledgling organization in Thornhill, its roots are spreading. Since it is not affiliated with any particular synagogue or community, it is run as an independent entity, with a broad vision to include any and all Jewish teens across the GTA.
Mused Michael Saskin, TFC president of the Forest Hills location, "When I first contacted Rabbi Shmuli to form TFC south and there were only six of us meeting in coffee shops last school year. It is hard to believe that this six-person group would grow into the productive organization we have today."
Each of the teens received a award certificate from Mr. Shurman honouring their participation. The teens promised to reconnect, recruit and re-organize in the fall, aspiring to even greater achievements.
TFC president of the north location, Josh Freedman, summed things up when he said, "At this event last year, I finished my speech with the hope that TFC would grow and prosper and be able to help needy people all over Toronto. As you all know, that vision has now become a reality."
For more information on TFC or Chabad Youth Network, visit www.JewishYouth.ca, or call the office at 905-889-7582.