CHW Ottawa - Closing Event
Ottawa Hadassah-WIZO Annual Closing Meeting
June 23, 2009 at Temple Israel
by Esther Kulik, President, CHW Ottawa Centre
Click here to see photos from the event
Tribute to Terry Schwarzfeld z'l
Esther Kulik welcomed everyone and spent a few moments reflecting on the untimely and tragic passing of Terry Schwarzfeld, on March 18, 2009. "She was our dear friend as well as an inspiration for all things Hadassah here in Ottawa, across Canada and internationally. Although she is no longer with us physically, she is always in our hearts, always in our thoughts and she continues to motivate us and guide us every step of the way. What a tremendous loss to us all. Our hearts go out to Terry's husband Stephen Cotsman, their three sons, their daughter-in-law and their grandson, Benjamin." In tribute to Terry, the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO Daycare in Acco, Israel now bears her name. Naming a structure in recognition of a past National President is part of the Canadian Hadassah-WIZO tradition. A fund has been created so that donations can be made to ensure that the daycare that Terry loved so dearly can be renovated. It needs repairs very urgently so that it can meet the new building code standards in Israel.
Major OHW Accomplishments in 2008-09
The Ottawa Hadassah-WIZO Bazaar was held in September 2008. Although it was a smaller, scaled-back event compared to the Bazaars of many years ago, everyone involved had a lot of fun. It stirred up old memories as well as generated much-needed funds for our projects. This year's campaign was launched under the leadership of Debbie Baylin. At the campaign kick-off held in late February, many essential household goods were collected for local charities, namely 'The Boys and Girls Club', 'The Hospice at May Court' and 'Interval House'. The Amit chapter held its Annual Tea in collaboration with the Mollie Betcherman and Ina McCarthy chapters, under the direction of convener Sophie Frenkel. Gina and Howard Grant were honoured and recognized for their tireless support and leadership. A total of $15,000 was raised for the Terry Schwarzfeld Daycare Centre.
Awards and Accolades
Esther thanked outgoing Chapter Presidents Linda Senzilet (Amit Chapter) and Sharon Michaelson (Negev Chapter) for their commitment to Hadassah-WIZO. Debbie Baylin and Debbie Goldstein received well-deserved recognitions for the difference they have made to Hadassah-WIZO Ottawa Centre. Sharon Kroft, Toronto-based CHW National Chairperson of the Sustainers Committee and a National Officer, spoke about the CHW Sustainers Program. The Sustainers Program is an entirely new fund-raising concept for CHW which has enormous potential. Women across the country (and some men) are showing great faith in our organization and its work in Israel by pledging a life time gift of $1,000 annually (payable in 10 instalments annually). Since its inception in 2006, more than 252 members across Canada have committed to be a Sustainer. The Sustainers program has a goal: to attract 1,000 members nation-wide, so that our annual WIZO commitment is ensured every year even before we roll out our Annual Campaign. Sustainers receive a lovely pin, designed in Israel, to be worn as a pin or necklace.
The following gracious women were recognized for their generous annual contributions: Ruth Aaron, in memory of Freda and Benjamin Feinstein; Betty Altman; Vera Glube; Debbie Goldstein; Gina Grant; Ellie Greenberg, in memory of Joyce Steinberg; Carol Greenberg, in memory of Faga and Eugene Gardner; Margo Kardish, in memory of Tessie Zelikovitz and Eva Kardish; Rhona Lewinshtein; Shelley Rothman; Helen Saipe; Ruth Soloway; Beverly Swedko; and, Toby Yan.
The OHW Esther Awards were presented by the Chapter Presidents to outstanding members in their respective chapters. Suzanne Friedlaender won the award for the Amit Chapter and Sheila Morin received the Esther award for the Negev Chapter. We were very honoured to have had Betsy Rigal, granddaughter of Lillian Frieman (the first National President of Canadian Hadassah-WIZO), join us to present the Lillian Frieman trophy, given annually to the chapter that demonstrated the greatest progress and initiative over the course of 2 years. This year, the trophy was awarded to the Amit Chapter.
