The superstars of COA

As we approach the start of a new year that we pray will be sweeter than the last, we are all hoping that we will be allowed to celebrate the High Holy Days together with our beloved family and friends. But no matter how this pandemic impacts our celebrations, we never have to feel alone, thanks to the many unsung heroes working behind the scenes to look after the most vulnerable among us.

COA Sydney is once again sending out Rosh Hashanah care parcels to our food service recipients. It’s been a real team effort. Chief operating officer Sabina Kovadlo has been working hard to design parcels that both feed the body and uplift the soul. Chief provisioning officer David Politzer has been juggling sending out record-high orders for COA’s Kosher Meals on Wheels while simultaneously taking receipt of pallets of deliveries to fill Rosh Hashanah packages. Our new volunteer coordinator Sam Peirson has been busy lining up volunteers to make the hundreds of deliveries.

Not only is COA delivering Rosh Hashanah care packs, but there are also hardship deliveries for those in need of something extra. Social workers Suzanne Itzkowitz and Mordechai Levin have been receiving referrals of dozens of new community members needing support and some extra cheer. Thanks to support from the All In Giving Circle, this year’s delivery will be the best ever.

The whole COA team has also pulled together to make sure the traditional grape juice and apple-and-honey combo includes not only the very best quality Sugar Bay organic raw honey and homemade cakes baked fresh by our very own volunteer Sonia Gorney, but also other staples like olives, cereal, tuna, and pasta, and tasty tea.

None of this would be possible without COA’s team of selfless and dedicated frontline workers, as well as unsung heroes behind the scenes like Jackie Ryker, Sharon Monty, and Benita Weinberg who make sure doors get opened for volunteers and QR codes get scanned. Thanks to COA’s team of hardworking workers, every Jewish senior in need will get not just food, but pure love and care, in every delivery.

If you, or anyone you know, needs any food support this High Holy Day season, please contact COA Sydney at coa@coasydney.org or (02) 9389 0035.