The GURU (second from right) and family at the Team Lifeline Miami Marathon January 2018
Children remind us what it’s like to be happy with the simple things in life.
Back in the summer of 2016 I partook in a Chai Lifeline family event to barbecue for the kids and families. That moment for me is one I cannot take out of my mind and has changed and opened up my eyes even more about the work of Chai Lifeline.
I witnessed families in wheelchairs, kids and some adults with oxygen tanks and sadly kids with no hair. Many physical signs that they were suffering from an illness. Yet at this annual event held at a private cottage in Newmarket, their illness is “somewhat forgotten” and there is a day filled with music, activities and fun. An ice cream truck at the entry way with all sorts of options, arts and crafts, pony rides, sporting events, canoeing, paddle boating, swimming and more, I can’t mention it all. I saw families bonding together like good old friends and kids playing together running and smiling. It was the first time I got to be a part of something like this and I couldn’t be prouder.
After that day, I made a resolution to take charge of my health and run the Chai Lifeline Miami Marathon. I completed the marathon with aches and pains and could barely walk for 5 days following. But I didn’t want to stop there. The suffering I endured could be no where close to what these families I witnessed must endure daily. I wanted to do anything and everything in MY power to ensure an essential support service like Chai Lifeline would always be around for families affected by an illness. I want to be able to help in anyway I can and ensure that a child who is sick and enduring medical procedures and pain on a daily basis is never turned away and that anything and everything they want can be answered with the simple word of “YES”.
I’m a foodie. I love food, and I love sharing the tastes of the city with others. I have a Facebook group I started online to change the talk of the town and the frustration s of the kosher food scene. I want to give Kosher Canadians a spotlight to showcase what we have in the Toronto kosher market. Little did I know the group would “explode”. With almost 15, 000 plus members, this group has turned into a local phenomenon. But I don’t want to toot my horn. If anything I want to turn this group into something that has the opportunity to give back and truly make a difference. That’s how GURUfest came to mind.
Given the networking of Kosher vendors the group turned into, I had an idea of showcasing food that will be presented by local Kosher vendors for the first time. Having exclusivity to new products and menu items, wines and more including prizes and giveaways. GURUfest is going to be a one of a kind event bringing the entire Kosher community and more together. The bonus is proceeds of the event will go to Chai Lifeline.
So come on out, enjoy some one of a kind kosher eats, a Kosher Chopped Event and more! I guarantee it will not disappoint.
Sol
Sol Assayag is an active community member of various charities including Chai Lifeline Canada. To purchase your tickets or to sponsor this event, please visit: www.gurufest.ca
