For over three decades, Rabbi Chaim S. Cohen has led the fight against hunger and isolation through the MADA Community Centre, the organization he founded and now directs as Executive Director. What began in Montreal with a handful of volunteers and a small space has grown into one of the city’s largest food security networks, serving over 8,000 meals a week and providing food, companionship, and dignity to thousands across Montreal, Ottawa, and surrounding areas.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
MADA Community Centre is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to fighting hunger and social isolation in Montreal, Ottawa and surrounding areas. We provide free, nutritious kosher meals, food bank services, holiday baskets, home deliveries, and emotional support to thousands of individuals and families every year—always with dignity, compassion, and kindness.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Hunger, poverty, and isolation. in a dignified, encouraging and uplifting way.
When did you start/join it?
MADA was founded over 30 years ago, starting with a few volunteers and a simple mission: no one in our community should ever feel hungry or alone.
What made you want to get involved?
There was a need for people who were hungry. There were many people who needed help and many people who wanted to help. The Lubavitcher Rebbe gave me my mission.
What was the situation like when you started?
In the beginning, our resources were very limited. We were operating out of a small space and a handful of volunteers. Still, the need was there—and people came. Word spread quickly because what we offered was not just food, but dignity and warmth.
How has it changed since?
Today, with the help of generous volunteers and donors, MADA has grown into one of the largest food security organizations in the community, serving over 8,000 meals a week, delivering to homebound seniors, running a full-scale food bank, operating a daily cafeteria open to anyone in need, and offering holiday programs, community meals, social events, furniture and clothing distribution and support services in multiple locations. We are a caring volunteer-based institution and we preach kindness and love. But while we’ve grown, the need has grown even faster. And there is a lot more to be done.
What more needs to be done?
Food insecurity is rising sharply due to the high cost of living. Calls for help increase weekly. We need more volunteer drivers, more food sponsorships, more gifts in kind (food donations) and more monthly donors to ensure our shelves and meal programs remain full. With more resources, we can fulfill more of the needs for existing clients and reach more clients. We would love that every person in need is reached—right to their doorstep—with care and dignity.
How can our readers help?
There are four powerful ways to help:
– Volunteer your time – pack boxes, deliver meals, or join one of our kindness teams.
– Donate or sponsor meals – every $ helps to feed.
– Form a kindness team – gather friends, colleagues or family and make an impact together.
– Help with Gift-In-Kind food donations – Reach out to food distributors, manufacturers, your connections, so we can rescue food and redistribute.
Do you have any events coming up?
Our annual Share Your Love crowdfunding campaign and our “Kindness in Action” campaign, a community-wide volunteer push. Everyone is welcome to take part.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Volunteer Portal | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We deeply admire Chai Lifeline Canada for their unwavering support of families facing pediatric illness. Their compassion and hands-on care are a true inspiration and reflect the heart of what community should be. We also admire The Family Store who helps families in need with subsidized groceries.
