Misericordia Candy Day Raises Over 850K
Monday, July 6th, 2009Written by Mike Foley
Misericordia is the Latin translation of the Hebrew word ‘hesed’, or loving-kindness in English. What a perfect way to describe the amazing work being done at 6300 N. Ridge Road in Chicago.
Misericordia supports 550 individuals with developmental disabilities. The much needed assistance includes: residential placement and day-to-day support, job training and employment opportunities, physical, occupational and speech therapy, fitness and healthy living guidance, social and recreational outings, etc.
If you live in the Chicago-land area you may have seen the canners collecting during one of their annual Candy Day events or the bakeshop goodies at the local Farmers’ Markets.
Street corner fund raising feels a little awkward at first as busy commuters zoom past you, but the awkward feeling quickly disappears as the generosity of strangers quickly begins to build. With a beep, a wave or a friendly smile people say, “Misericordia is the best. Keep up the great work”. It’s hard not to be moved by all the positive energy during a Candy Day drive. The 2009 drive raised $858,803. Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connelly, says it best when she stresses “together we are making a difference.”

