Welcome to CHW Victoria

CHW Victoria was founded in 1926, after a visit by Lillian Freiman, the first National President of Canadian Hadassah (as our organization was then known). Although a small Jewish community, the Victoria chapter enthusiastically embraced the goals of Hadassah and jumped in to support Israel wholeheartedly. Over the years, many fundraisers, speakers, lunches, trips to national and international CHW events, fueled our love of Israel.

Especially popular were the famous Chocolate Sundays, held from 1990-1997, chaired by the late Stephanie Gilbert. Book sales, bazaars, Purim parties, Casino Night, fashion shows. Musical tea, the famous Chanukah parties held at the home of Drs Ana and Alex Porzecanski, poker and bridge groups, garage sales. We have had members on the National Board of Directors. We have 3 generations of the same family in our chapter. We have members who live all over Vancouver Island. CHW was often the first organization women belonged to upon arriving in Victoria. Life long friendships were made and carry on to this day. All this to raise money for Youth Aliya and these days for Hadassim, our day care centres, hospitals, schools and help lines in Israel.

Today our bi-monthly birthday lunches are a great success as we get together socially and raise funds. Our annual campaign launch and our Sukkah tea are successful annual events.

Our Executive for 2018/2019 are: Sharon Fitch, Past President, Damaris Notte, Secretary, Esther Laredo, Treasurer, Eleanor Mintz, Newsletter Editor, Celia Negin, Membership, Josie Davidson and Selma Linzer, members-at-large.

If you are planning to visit Victoria, or if you are planning to move to Victoria, then CHW is your organization. All are welcomed. Contact Sharon at 250-381-1166, shfitch@telus.net, or Celia at 250-995-1414, morcel@shaw.ca.