Brooklyn Canarsie Lions host Brotherhood Service, distributes Thanksgiving gift packages to community

Hundreds of Brooklyn residents received gift packages, including turkeys and coats, on Monday, in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, as the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club hosted its 42nd Annual Community Thanksgiving Brotherhood Service.

Temple Emanu El of Canarsie, on Rockaway Boulevard in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn, was filled for the service and subsequent Thanksgiving giveaway.

The distribution of gift packages and refreshments was preceded by an hour-plus-long service that included prayers, scripture readings, cultural performances, and addresses by Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club President Jean Joseph. Speeches by local elected officials, many of whom are Lions, and representatives also took place.

They comprised Sen. Roxanne Persaud, the Guyanese-born representative for the 19th Senate District; Assembly Member Jaime Williams, the Trinidadian-born representative for the 59th Assembly District; Farah N. Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District; Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, the Haitian-born representative for the 46th Assembly District; Frank Seddio, District Leader, 59th Assembly District; Sue Ann Partnow, District Manager, Community Board 18; and Debbie Louis, representative for Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Rabbi Avhohm Hecht offered the invocation and read the Old Testament lesson; Rabbin Joshua E. Minkin of Temple Emanu El of Canarsie blessed the House; Pastor Gesner Sagesse of Community Christian Church of New York delivered the Prayer of Thanks; The Very Rev. Edward R.P. Kane, pastor of Holy Family St. Laurence Roman Catholic Parish, read the New Testament lesson; The Rev. Usis Emannum, 69th Precinct Clergy Council, delivered the Prayer of the Community; and Rabbin Joshua E. Minkin led the Breaking of the Bread.

There were performances by Pen Wortman Voices Choir, Skirt Dance by Rakia Henderson, and a solo rendition by Elisa Toro Frankly.

The Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club also used the occasion to induct new members.

“As president of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club, I am honored to welcome you today in celebration of the 42nd Anniversary of our Brotherhood Service,” said Joseph, a Dominican-born certified public accountant (CPA), in her remarks. “It is at times such as this that we show our true measure of giving and brotherhood and, in so doing, honor our pledge as Lions to be of service.

“The Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club has led by example, being a total embodiment of unity and strength for the past 42 years,” she added. “This year is no different, as we not only come together in a united fellowship but will also demonstrate the true meaning of our mission to serve by distributing food as well as warm coats to those in need.”

For the first time this year, Joseph said the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions are happy to partner with the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), of which she was recently elected president; SNC Productions; and Daniel Leather “to bring warmth to New York City’s homeless and underserved communities by providing them with winter coats. 

“Let’s applaud the efforts of all those who have worked in bringing this noteworthy project into reality,” she urged, also thanking “all our sponsors who have made this possible, our local elected officials, all program participants and last but not least all members of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club.

“It is said that the strength of a chain lies in its weakest link, but the strength of brotherhood is found in every link, bound together by our shared values,” Joseph added. “Alone, we may stumble, but together we rise.

“We face an uncertain world, which is gripped with fear and fear-mongering,” Joseph continued. “But, in the camaraderie of brotherhood, we find the courage to face any storm. It is where we find strength when we are weak, courage when we are afraid, and hope when we feel lost.

“It is imperative now more than ever to speak to and stand for the most vulnerable in our society,” she said. “Let’s do so with what Dr. King (the Rev. Dr. Marthin Luther King, Jr.) called ‘the fierce urgency of now.’ And as we were reminded in our first Scripture reading today, there is a time for everything. So now is the time to make a difference. Now is the time to ignite that Lion Spirit, up in our heads, here in our hearts, and down in our feet. Now is the time! Now is the time.”