February/March - University of Toronto's Undergraduate Pharmacy ...

Serving a meal to those whoneed it---Sara Rosaline Lavoratore (0T9 Social Rep)As many of you know, the OT9 class chose the Yonge StreetMission’s food access program as our charity last year. This termI organized an opportunity for students to help those in need bycooking a meal, serving a meal, cleaning-up, participating inactivates after the meal, and handing out essentials to the patrons.On February 8 th , 10 members of the OT9 class went down to themission. When we were there we had the opportunity to meet thewonderful directors and volunteers that make the ‘New HopeFellowship’ dinners happen. While the patrons were arriving,Seema Mistry and Becki Huges charmed the patrons with theirsweet smiles and conversed with them over coffee. Puneet Johaland Laura Savatteri cooked with the wonderful chef Ben Mielkewho cooks with whatever donations are available. When we werethere a lovely rack of ribs were cooked --for the patrons along withsome rice, veggies, and ice cream – mmm. Before the meal, thewonderful YSM choir sung us a Valentine’s day – What is Love?Also, Anna Wong, Sandra Porter, and Hermia Cheung helped servethe meals to the patrons and tidied up afterwards. After dinner therewere lots of activities for the patrons; there was ball hockey andValentine’s Day arts and crafts. Alexander Vuong, Cynthia Leung,and myself enjoyed making Valentine’s with the patrons over chipsand punch. Also, after dinner Seema Mistry gave out cookies asthe patrons left.Looking back on the evening I was very impressed by thewonderful work of the mission. Daily, Evonne Komaromi worksin the resource room giving resume skills, interview techniques,and companionship. Also, Heather Hogben-Bruce, the NewHope Fellowship Coordinator, organized the entire evening andpromoted more events to come. Overall, it was wonderful to seewhere our charity week dollars go, and I hope more members ofthe class can have the opportunity to see the wonderful workingsof the YSM.18The Monograph February / March 2007