Operation Ramzieh: Feeding the vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis
đź•’ 4 min read
Three days after shuttering all of his restaurants and nightclubs in Ottawa and Toronto due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbis Mahmoud launched into action to help the most vulnerable.
He established Operation Ramzieh to help get food to those who need it most.
Community first
The newly launched initiative named after his mother, creates crisis relief kits - food boxes assembled by employees of Mahmoud’s company DreamMind, and assorted volunteers - originally designed for seniors, a group at high risk of contracting the virus.
Operation Ramzieh team members including founder Abbis Mahmoud (top right).
With mandated social distancing, restaurants and other services shuttering until further notice, self isolating, insufficient funds or computer skills to order online, the elderly are especially vulnerable right now. “These members of our community will have the most difficulty acquiring items they need during this dire time, and we have a moral obligation to help,” he stated in a press release issued yesterday.
It didn’t take long for the team to realize that these lifelines also apply to a much broader group of people - those with a weak immune system, not enough money to purchase food, single mothers, people facing mobility or transportation obstacles, and other issues preventing them from being able to shop at stores in person or online - so anyone in need can request a box.
Food on the table
Each box is designed to last for 8-10 days for individuals/family of four for three days, and includes pantry items (spaghetti, tomato sauce, rice, beans, vegetable soup, cereal, granola bars), one protein (i.e. corned beef), milk, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables (carrots, potatoes), toilet paper and sanitizer.
Crisis relief food boxes contain fresh fruit and vegetables, in addition to pantry items and other essentials.
Team members take every health precaution - staying 6 feet apart, wearing masks and gloves to assemble and deliver boxes, and leaving kits on the doorstep minimize contact.
Team members pack boxes adhering to strict COVID-19 guidelines including wearing gloves, masks and staying two metres/six feet apart.
Donations needed
Mahmoud kicked off the project using his own $40K to buy essential food and other necessities at cost. With the generous help of volunteers (including famous faces such as Mark Holmes, lead singer and bassist of Canadian 80s rock band, Platinum Blonde), and vehicles provided by various companies, the initiative can feed roughly 1200 people at approximately $30 per box.
Mark Holmes, lead singer and bassist of Platinum Blonde, helps deliver food boxes across the city.
At that rate, they can donate food for about ten days. With COVID-19 measures set to last another 12 weeks, it’s not enough to keep up with the demand.
In addition to donating to the initiative, they’re also looking for restaurants, other venues and suppliers, and partners to donate food and services to support our most vulnerable citizens
The crisis relief team recently set up a home base here in Toronto at comfort food resto, Old School on Dundas West, to service the immediate area, and are looking to set up across the GTA shortly.
5 ways you can help now
1. Donate.
2. Know of someone in need of a Food Relief Kit? Register. (Note: The recipient's confidentiality is of the utmost importance; their information is required for delivery purposes only.)
———
For more information, visit operationramzieh.org.