A Book Is a Book Until…

A Book Is a Book Until…

Read on if you are or would be interested in becoming a Communitas member

@linomatteo

A book is a book until it becomes read and shared. Then it can agitate, motivate, illuminate, and spark things that only a community can do. This time it took a community to bring this book together. A few leaders, a lot of participants, and 20 years of service, sharing, and smiles. And tomorrow it gets shared with the world.

Well, given the New Normal that we are living during these pandemic times, it gets selectively served to our community and with a hot chocolate to book. But there may be a copy available for you too! Pay want you can. Twenty dollars covers cost. A greater contribution and you are paying it forward. Reading and talking about it and you are becoming part of the community.

The beauty of this book is, in part, its eclectic nature. Over a hundred interviews, commentaries, stories, and hopes – shared via voce and transcribed by volunteers, it is a tale of faith, hope, and love. The love of volunteers for humanity, the faith of organizers for healing, the hope of inmates for a better tomorrow.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
How lovely are thy branches!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
How lovely are thy branches!

Your boughs so green in summertime,
Stay bravely green in wintertime.
O Tannenbaum, O Christmas Tree
How lovely are thy branches!

Tuesday, December 21, between 6:30 and 8:30 PM….

With the Pandemic restrictions the traditional Communitas Christmas Potluck is once again on hold. But while the event is scaled back the Spirit is strong.

Here are some of the details, but it is a ‘come and go’ event to keep numbers flowing, and to help maintaining social distancing. Dress warm as the event is mostly outside, but there are areas nearby where you can warm up…

Seasons Greetings!

We are so pleased to include you in our 20th anniversary book, Open Door: From the Inside Out. We have already been contacted by CBC Daybreak and CKUT Prison Radio to speak about this landmark publication.

• Please RSVP here to select a time to pick up a copy at this outdoor fundraiser. Health measures will be taken to protect your safety.
• Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2021
• Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
• Place: Rotunda entrance of 1444 Union Avenue, across from The Bay

• Price: You may purchase as many books as you wish. The book is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. We suggest a minimum $20 donation per book. 
• Payment methods: On-site: We will accept cash, cheque or e-donations at the launch.
• In advance: Donate online by clicking here and pick up your reserved copies in person on December 21st. Please indicate in the Private Message box of the Donation Page the number of books you are requesting

THIS SHORT AND SWEET EVENT requires that masks, vaccination and social distancing be respected.

Hot chocolate will be served outside.

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you!

• If you are not available on December 21, information will be provided in the New Year on how-to pick-up copies.

There you have it. Volunteers once again getting together to make a difference. Yes, there are many requests for help and assistance at this time of the year. I encourage you to head the calls that stir you. My parting words are that this is a group that will serve with integrity, will help you serve, and will being a smile to the faces of all those involved. Some would even say that it is gleeful. For more information on Communitas please click.

Happy Christmas, stay safe, and Peace & Healing in the New Year!

Lino Matteo ©™

Twitter @Lino_Matteo

Want to Meet at “Open Door?”