Holocaust survivor, Bill Lewkowict, is clear in saying that members of the Café Europa, a weekly drop-in program for Survivors, have become family. “Holocaust survivors are my family. We share our life stories and experiences as survivors surrounded by the dedicated volunteers and staff at the Centre. There is no substitute for the moral support I receive here at the Cummings Centre.” Finding himself alone after the war, where from an extended family of over 300, only his mother, sister and he survived, Bill felt that he would never find his way to feeling at home again, “At Cummings I am at home. Our weekly encounters let us talk and we feel cared for and cherished. The staff and volunteers go out of their way to make sure that we feel good and that we are happy.”

Through the group he was lucky enough to meet cherished friend and fellow survivor Ted Bolgar. A chance meeting brought them together where Bill learned of Ted’s long-time involvement with the March of the Living and his outreach and educational engagement with the greater community. Bill has now twice accompanied Ted on the March, “We had such a connection, nothing short of an emotional explosion, and I have the utmost respect for Ted’s efforts to bring awareness about the Holocaust to the greater community. We continue to share our past experiences in such a welcoming environment at the Cummings Centre- here you are a human being- a somebody.”

The Cummings Centre’s mission is to empower and enhance the quality of life of adults age 50 and over by providing dynamic and innovative programs, social services, and volunteer opportunities in a vibrant, respectful, inclusive and compassionate environment. Building on its Jewish heritage, Cummings embraces people from all ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

As the hub of Montreal’s 50+ community, the Centre touches the lives of 10,000 people on an annual basis. In addition to its main campus at 5700 Westbury Avenue in Montreal, programs are offered at several off-site locations including the West Island, Cote Saint-Luc and online.

For more information, please contact us by phone at 514-343-3510, online at www.cummingscentre.org or in person at 5700 Westbury Avenue.