Portuguese from 40 families in need of palliative care helped by Casa do Alentejo. Institution fulfilled yesterday 38 Anniversary, no celebrations because of covid-19.
A covid-19 pandemic, Among other things, brought with it the degradation of the quality and condition of life of many people, in particular those who already suffered from some diseases, where the lack of food has become a harsh reality.
In Toronto and touched by the cruelty of the experience of a social worker, the Portuguese from Casa do Alentejo, since August last year they make and distribute food to families with people in need of palliative care.
José Dias, social worker at a Canadian government institution, began to have Portuguese people that one of the things they asked for most was food. Knowing the spirit of mutual help of the Portuguese community, João spoke to some institutions and Casa do Alentejo joined from the first hour what they called the “Meal Bank” - Delicious food for the needy.
Initially the meals were made every fifteen days, but, with the worsening of the pandemic, became weekly. So, every Monday, four dozen meals are prepared which includes soup, main course, dessert, bread and a drink.
Families are identified by José Dias, about a dozen volunteers, that in addition to the Alentejo have some Azoreans, make food, that two is delivered by four other volunteers. Meals are delivered to the homes of the aided families and also to some institutions, not all in Toronto, some outside the urban perimeter of the big city.
“When we took on this project, we sent letters to companies and individuals and we have been very receptive. The minimum donation is 300 euros that guarantees us the making of 40 meals. Many people come to Casa do Alentejo's facebook page and call us to offer help, depositing the money in our institution's account. We also receive foodstuffs, bread and drinks ”, told Lidador News (LN), Teresa Sousa, one of the promoters of the “Meal Bank”.
With the pandemic, the institution's headquarters is closed to recreational and cultural activities, as well as its magnificent restaurant. “We opened the kitchen just to handle meals. The cold and snow as if you live in the city, are overcome with heat, the joy and dedication to our compatriots in need ”, tells the woman who arrived in Toronto in 1981 and there 28 who is a partner at Casa do Alentejo.
But the “Meal Bank” goes further than taking lunches. "We have already given 20 Christmas food baskets offered by the women of our House and now more 10 offered by a couple who are friends with the institution ”, reveals happy Teresa Sousa, that praises “the spirit of help” that involves all volunteers of the project
Casa do Alentejo celebrated this Saturday, no celebrations, the 38th anniversary.
Traditionally the “Anniversary”, together with the Cultural Week that takes place in September / October are two great daa, if not the institution's biggest initiatives.
The Casa do Alentejo Community Center in Toronto arose out of the need for Alentejo residents in Toronto to have a place to call their home.. The dream came true 20 February 1983! The organization has about 350 partners.
Since its foundation, Casa do Alentejo has played a dynamic role in promoting and preserving Portuguese culture in the city of Toronto. Many were the singers, choirs, sport figures, culture and politics, born in Alentejo who have already passed through the institution.
The Casa do Alentejo building, located at 1130 da Dupont Street, was the headquarters of LIUNA Local for many years 183, the Civil Construction Workers Union, the strongest and most important in Canada, led by portuguese, whose premises were closed before being acquired from the Portuguese community center.
Teixeira belt
(journalist)
