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Message from the President

This time last year, amid the doom and gloom of the recession, it was difficult to imagine that a successful fundraising year could be possible. I believed it could happen. I had no choice! In my professional life as an Account Director at a fundraising direct marketing agency, it was my job to reassure clients that they should stay the course and continue to solicit their donors. That in spite of the fact that the consumer confidence index had taken a nosedive, loyal donors who believe in their cause would find a way to continue to support them.

As CHW Montreal President, it was my job to rally my board members, committee chairs and volunteers into believing that their efforts would be rewarded. That asking people for money might be more delicate than usual, but that they needed to head into the situation with confidence, knowing that loyal supporters, and even prospects, if asked appropriately, would say "Yes!" And yes, in spite of the recession, we have had a really great fundraising year! Our Annual Campaign is on pace to out perform 2008. The Shoshanim/Chaverot Passover Baskets were a sellout. The Pro-Am Golf Tournament was a success in spite of corporate cut-backs. The Yona Chapter had a Purim mailout on par with previous years and the Anna Zaitchick Chapter had another fantastic Antique and Collectibles Auction.

With a new fiscal year beginning, we're facing a new fundraising challenge. Renovations to the Clara Balinsky Daycare Centre are a key priority. I visited the centre last year. While it was clear that the children are in a happy, caring environment, it was also clear that these updates are long overdue. Over the summer we developed a strategy that aims to make inroads into the tens of thousands it's going to take to bring this daycare centre up to the new standards imposed by the Israeli government. As longstanding members know, the Clara Balinsky Daycare Centre was named in honour of a remarkable woman who led by example and felt that the sky was the limit. As we begin a new year, I am asking you to join me in honouring Clara's memory and her vision for a strong and viable CHW by helping us raise the money we need to complete the renovations. Let's get 5770 off to a strong start!

Susan Abramowitz

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