Legacy
CHW LEGACY CIRCLE
Marla Dan,
National Legacy Circle Chair Marla Dan was one of the longest serving National Presidents of CHW in modern history, leading the organization from 2009-2014. Since the introduction of the CHW Legacy Circle, Marla and her husband Aubrey signed up to make this special commitment, as they had already included CHW in their will. “Aubrey and I look at all of our gifts to CHW as being investments in the organization. We believe in it.” After visiting Israel for the first time in 1993, seeing all of CHW’s projects had a huge impact on the couple. Over the years, they have met many people who have been impacted by CHW projects, including those who received lifesaving treatment in a hospital, or attended a school that understood their needs and helped them reach their full potential. “I have been to Israel over 20 times, and people always ask me how I don’t get tired of seeing CHW’s projects. There is usually at least one person in the group I tour with that has not been there before. I always try to look at it through the eyes of that person seeing it for the first time.” Over the years, CHW projects have seen countless changes, from wars, to advancements in technology, to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Marla says “The hospitals and schools are still running. Kids are still living in the youth villages. Life is continuing and the needs are still there, just in a different form. It’s a tough situation.” Marla encourages anyone thinking of leaving a legacy gift to CHW to discuss their wishes with their family, so that their legacy can be carried on through CHW’s projects. “The biggest thing that I think is so important in all of this, like in any category of giving, is that whatever the gift is, that it is meaningful to you, and you feel that you have made an impact. Every gift that people give is a gift that keeps on giving.” She knows that leaving a legacy gift to CHW will have a lasting impact on CHW’s projects far beyond her time on earth. “CHW has existed for over 100 years, and there’s no reason why we can’t exist for another 100 or more years. The CHW Legacy Circle enables people to leave an impactful gift that they would not be able to give in their lifetime. It ensures the sustainability of the organization. That is the true essence of the Legacy Circle.” 48
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CHW LEGACY CIRCLE
GINA GRANT I was a member of WIZO in Leeds, UK, for 7 years before moving to Ottawa in 1982. Once our family settled in, I called CHW to join a chapter and the rest as they say, is history.
It was the perfect way to make friends, and continue my support of Israel. Soon after joining, I became the Ottawa Council Treasurer and enjoyed working with the women from the other chapters. I met some amazing women at that time and have tried to follow in their footsteps. CHW is my link to Israel. I appreciate that there are other organizations that support Israel, but as I have enjoyed being part of WIZO for several years along with my friends, it has always been a big part of my life. It gives me the opportunity to support and connect with our many projects and I appreciate the feedback we receive directly from the projects. It’s important for me to see the benefits that our fundraising efforts can make.
I am often asked by friends why I support Israel through fundraising. ‘Isn’t it a strong and modern country now?’ they ask. My answer is simple – ‘isn’t Canada a strong and modern country?’ and ‘don’t hospitals and long term care facilities in Canada fundraise?’ There is only so much a country’s tax revenue can support and our fundraising dollars go towards all the other things that are needed. I believe it is a privilege to support Israel. The Jewish people need Israel to be strong and stable more than ever.
I joined the CHW Legacy Circle a few years ago. I believe that it is the perfect way to continue supporting the organization that I have volunteered with for most of my life. I hope that when my children and grandchildren see that I have left CHW a legacy gift, this will encourage them to keep supporting CHW.
If anyone asked me if they should join the CHW Legacy Circle, I would absolutely tell them to do it! The gift can be small or large. It will show your family how special CHW is and was to you. It will also show other CHW supporters how special CHW was to you, and hopefully encourage them to join as well.
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LEGACY CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Lynn Gillman
AN EASY DECISION I’m a planner. I love to plan everything in detail, whether it is a long-awaited vacation or a meeting with one of my clients. A will is simply a different type of plan. Everyone should review their will with their lawyer regularly, as their lives and situations change. I have always wanted to make meaningful contributions to charitable organizations. As I reviewed my will recently, I could not think of anything more meaningful than a bequest to CHW. I instructed my lawyer to add CHW to my list of beneficiaries and voila! Joining the CHW Legacy Circle was the easiest decision I have ever made and it also turned out to be the easiest donation I have ever made. I then contacted the CHW National Office to inform them of my intentions. And just like that, I am now part of CHW’s Legacy Circle. It makes me feel even more connected to CHW and its mission. I want to ensure that the organization that I have worked for and supported during much of my life continues to receive financial support from me afterwards. Joining CHW’s Legacy Circle was also a wonderful way to give a philanthropy lesson to my family and friends, and to remind them of how important our organization is to me and to Israel, Canada, and the world. 54
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‘‘
I have always wanted to make meaningful contributions... Joining the CHW Legacy Circle was the easiest decision I have ever made.
To learn more about the CHW Legacy Circle, please visit: www.chw.ca/support-us/legacy-circle
LEGACY CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Marcia & Bernie Glick OUR IMPACT When I moved to Kitchener-Waterloo in 1982, before the age of the internet, social circles were developed in person. You met new people in the flesh, made new friends, and then they invited you to dinner and introduced you to their friends. Moreover, you went to a CHW meeting and met a whole bunch of Jewish women in person. In 1987, I went to Israel for the first time on a trip with 400 other people to celebrate CHW’s 70th Anniversary. We visited many of CHW’s projects. My favourite was CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village. On that trip I learned what CHW really does and how well it does it. I met the people who staff and run our projects, and they were inspiring, grounded, and trustworthy. In addition, we had the opportunity to meet the people whom we were helping, and I came to understand the impact that I, as a Jewish-Canadian, could have on Israel. In 2017, my husband Bernie and I went on the CHW Centennial “Celecation” Trip. It was a much more personal trip as there were only 80 participants; this time we both came away with the same feelings I had 30 years previous. It was abundantly clear from visiting our many projects that CHW gives us the opportunity to participate in the growth and stability of Israel and its people.
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Photo Credit: Benji Glick
“We have the joy in our lifetime of knowing that we will always be part of this incredibly important and highly effective organization.” In 2018, we decided to leave CHW a donation in our will. Joining the Legacy Circle was a simple decision. We have the joy in our lifetime of knowing that we will always be part of this incredibly important and highly effective organization, and we can pay when we no longer need the money. In addition, it is a way of saying to the generations that come after: “This was important to me.”
To learn more about the CHW Legacy Circle, please visit: www.chw.ca/support-us/legacy-circle
CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Shelley Fine
INSPIRED TO GIVE Shelley Fine has been volunteering since the age of 12. Her mother, Helen Goldkind Kerzner, a member of the Noar Chapter, has been with CHW for almost 55 years. Her father, Harold Goldkindz’l, was a fundraiser for the Jewish National Fund, where he raised millions of dollars. In 1972, along with the former Prime Minister of Canada John Diefenbaker, her father founded Canada Park in Israel. Even Shelley’s grandparents were fundraisers. Fundraising is in her blood. When Shelley was young, she got a taste for volunteering by helping out at Bazaar. She would model in the fashion shows, help her mother, and spend time surrounded by strong, passionate women. Bazaar revealed a calling that impressed and inspired Shelley: fundraising. Shelley has been involved with many charities over the years. She was chosen to carry the medal in the Rick Hansen Marathon of Hope, received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award, built homes with Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Elective Outpatient Surgery Unit for 20 years; all while working full-time in real estate and raising four children. Shelley’s sister, Susan Hennick, encouraged her to join CHW. Shelley joined the Tzedakah Chapter, and never looked back. Twenty years later she is still an active member. Shelley has been involved at both the city and national levels. “I’ve run a number of fundraisers. I Co-Chaired The One Campaign with Tali Baum, featuring Brigitte Gabriel, which was incredible, then I Co-Chaired a Gala with Elayna Latsky, where we brought in Natan Barak and John Baird, and then, most recently, I CoChaired the amazing CHW Walk to Protect Children, with Barb Rosenstein.”
Shelley wanted to give more to CHW, so she was very excited when she found out about the Legacy Circle. “I saw somebody wearing this really cute pin.The woman told me it was for the Legacy Circle.When I asked what that was, she told me that you leave a gift to CHW in your will. I loved that idea!” Shelley said that she knows a lot of people feel stressed out, thinking they have to give money right now, but realizing they just can’t afford it. Giving to the Legacy Circle is an easy way to ensure that CHW continues to grow and thrive. “It’s such a no-brainer.You do it once, and you don’t think about it again. It’s a great way to make a more substantial donation, because it doesn’t affect your day-to-day life.” Shelley is glad that her children (and grandchildren) will know fundraising for CHW was an important part of her life. “And when the time comes, I hope my family will be proud of what I’ve done. And they might even feel inspired to add to my gift, or buy a plaque, or do something else in honour of my legacy.” After experiencing the Centennial “Celecation” Trip to Israel this past October, Shelley was inspired to increase her donation. Going to Israel and seeing CHW projects firsthand, gave her a different outlook on life. She was incredibly moved by everything she saw, and all the people she met. “Now that I’ve been there to see it, and hear it, and connect with all these amazing people, I am so much more inspired to do what we do. For me, I am leaving this gift, so the children in Israel can grow to be the next generation of strength.”
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CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Bev Corber
A LIFE-LONG LEGACY Bev Corber has been a member of CHW for 35 years. When her children were young, she met Marcy Glanzberg at a drop-in program for toddlers. Marcy was a member of CHW Vancouver’s Atid Chapter, and thought it would be a great idea to bring Bev along with her to a meeting. At the time, Bev was a stay-at-home mom, and she looked forward to an evening out with adult camaraderie. Not only did CHW provide that for her, it also introduced her to many of her lifelong friends in Vancouver. Going to Chapter meetings was a great way to get to know the community. As the youngest member of her Chapter, Bev benefited from the knowledge and connection of her fellow members. “It was people who knew the community and could recommend a vet, or a babysitter. It was that kind of relationship,” said Bev. CHW has always been very important to Bev, which is why she joined the Legacy Circle. Bev is not just a member of the Legacy Circle; she is a creator of the program itself. In January 2008, Past National z’l President Terry Schwarzfeld attended a WIZO Conference, where she learned about a legacy program in the United Kingdom called “LifeLiners.” She was inspired by the idea, so she contacted Bev. “Even though I wasn’t on the Board of Directors (BOD), she called me, knowing I was a former lawyer, and asked me if I would chair a committee that was creating a similar program,” said Bev. “About three weeks after our conversation, Terry’s life was tragically taken, and from then on I considered my role as a way of ensuring her vision and legacy.” After much debate, the BOD decided to name the program “The Legacy Circle.” After launching the new program, Bev said the hardest job was to dispel myths about legacy 40
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giving. “People think that if you’re a legacy giver, you’re very wealthy, and that’s actually not true. People who give gifts by legacy are generally people of modest means, who can’t afford to make a major gift outright at any time. They want to give to CHW, and the Legacy Circle is the answer.” The Legacy Circle is a meaningful way for supporters to create a philanthropic legacy for a cause they care deeply about. In Bev’s case, many of her friends, and much of her life, has revolved around belonging to CHW. She was first active at the Chapter level, and over the last 10 years, she became more involved both locally and nationally. She is currently completing her role as CHW Vancouver Centre’s Immediate Past Centre President. Being a member of the Legacy Circle is not something that Bev wanted recognition for, it is more about leading by example for her three sons and her two grandchildren. She wants her family to know that CHW is a cause and a charity that she believes deeply in, and as it is a major part of her life, she wants to do whatever she can to help CHW prosper and continue in the future. If you aren’t already, Bev hopes you will consider becoming a member of the Legacy Circle. People need to know that it’s not the size of the gift that matters, and you don’t need to disclose the amount of your legacy gift to the Head Office, you only have to notify the office that you HAVE done so. “CHW is excited about any donation, no matter the size. I’ve been to CHW projects and I have seen firsthand that my dollars there have a big impact on changing people’s lives and really making a difference. When you meet people whose lives have been impacted and you see the work that’s been done, you want it to continue after you’re gone.” To learn more about the Legacy Circle program, please visit: www.chw.ca/support-us/legacy-circle
CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Evelyn Maizen Evelyn Maizen has been with CHW for over 40 years. During this time she has held positions at the Chapter, City and National Levels. Moving from Montreal with a vibrant Jewish population to small town Ontario, provided Evelyn with the push she needed to connect to her Jewish identity. So, how did she go about doing this? By joining CHW! Her local Chapter embraced her immediately and that trend continued as she developed within the organization. Evelyn started off, “In a former life,” as she always says, as a high school teacher. She taught in Québec for 2 years until moving to Ontario. It was at that time she became interested in accounting and eventually earned her CGA designation. Evelyn began teaching accounting at St. Lawrence College after moving to Kingston in 1984. She taught there for 13 years while establishing an accounting practice, which she still maintains to this day. She has two sons, a daughter-inlaw, and two grandchildren. When Evelyn moved from Montreal to Sturgeon Falls, a very small town in Northern Ontario, “We were the second Jewish family in the community.” You can imagine the culture shock coming from Montreal to this very small town. After almost a year, Evelyn and her family moved from Sturgeon 40
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Falls, into the city of North Bay; with its population of 50,000, North Bay seemed like a thriving metropolis in comparison to Sturgeon Falls’ 5,000 residents. There were about 25 Jewish families in North Bay at the time. It was then that Evelyn became involved with the Jewish community. Through the local synagogue, they held combined meetings between the Edith Silvia chapter of CHW and the Sisterhood of the Synagogue. Evelyn was all of 24 years old, while some of the members were in their 90s. Evelyn was the baby of the group. “I realized that if I wasn’t willing to step up, the group would not necessarily continue. So I became Chapter President after I had been in North Bay for a year or two.” Evelyn had a strong sense of responsibility: “I felt it was incumbent upon me to maintain my Jewishness. Had I stayed in Montreal, I wouldn’t have had to worry about my Jewish identity and maintaining the Jewish culture of the city, because there were so many other people who would do it.” “In Montreal, we had lived in a very Jewish area. At the bakery you could get kimmel bread anytime you wanted. You could get challah every Friday night. But in a small community, if you didn’t make it, nobody did. You couldn’t go to the local bakery and
say ‘I’ll have a challah please and two pumpernickel rolls with an onion pletzel.’ ” She was taken under the wing of Regional Chairperson, Rebecca Garshowitz, who showed Evelyn the ropes and influenced her continuing involvement in the organization: “I found that when I went to the National Executive Board meeting I was part of a bigger Jewish group; I had more of a Jewish Identity.” Another important dimension to her role in CHW was establishing ongoing partnerships with other Canadian organizations like Sunnybrook Hospital. In speaking about joining the Legacy Circle, Evelyn says: “I think it’s an important link for the future and I’m very happy to be able to participate. The more I became involved, I realized that as younger people move away from Zionism, and involvement in Jewish community activities, it would be important for others to ensure the future of the organization. It’s going to be important for us as leaders to do something to support the organization to the best of our ability and the Legacy Circle seemed like an excellent way to continue the work we’re doing. If it’s not us, who is it going to be? I think it is incumbent upon us to ensure that what we have worked so hard to maintain, continues into the future.”
Learn more about the Legacy Circle program www.chw.ca/support-us/legacy-circle/
CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Claire Conrad
IT’S A VOLUNTEER LIFE Claire Conrad has been involved with CHW since she first moved to Canada 35 years ago, although her involvement with Israel began even earlier. When she lived in England, Claire was a member of Aviv, the younger group from WIZO, and in 1982 she took a trip to Israel with British WIZO. During the trip she actually spent some time at Hadassim Children and Youth Village. Even though they were looking at British projects, they ended up at Hadassim and Claire just fell in love. “I was just so impressed,” she said. “I thought they were doing an incredible job.” In 1983, Claire, her late husband Michael, and their two young children moved to Canada. Several months prior, Michael had come on his own to visit Vancouver. He called Claire on his very first day in Canada and said, “Well, I’ve seen the mountains and this is where I’m going to live for the rest of my life.” And so the family packed up and headed for the coast. Claire saw CHW as an obvious choice when she first moved to Vancouver. She had made a lot of friends in England, and wanted to do the same in Canada. She knew CHW was where her friend-base would develop, so she got involved right away. She took the initiative and got in touch with the CHW Vancouver Office. “We had a really great membership chairman, Bea Libby, and she worked hard to find me a Chapter that would fit my needs,” said Claire. Claire ended up joining the Yamit Chapter, and has been there ever since. “We’re not terribly active, but we’re still always threatening we’re going to have a meeting,” Claire
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said. Although she retired after 20-plus years in Property Management and Real Estate, Claire doesn’t feel like she will ever retire from CHW. “It’s a sustained involvement,” she said. “It goes on from adulthood until the end.” It’s no wonder that Claire felt the need to leave a lasting gift to CHW by joining the Legacy Circle. She wanted to ensure that CHW projects will continue into the future. The need is always there, and she wanted to do her part to help CHW meet its commitments. “I’m just proud to be part of an organization that goes from strength to strength. It says something about the women [at CHW] that the organization is in such a good place.” Claire knows that for everyone involved at CHW, it’s not just about volunteered time. “It’s a volunteer life,” she said. And with the Legacy Circle, your involvement lives on. Claire wants to make sure that anyone thinking about joining the Legacy Circle knows there is more than one way to do it. “You don’t just have to leave people a substantial sum of money in a will, you can do it by means of an insurance policy, which for many people might be an easier option.” Claire believes in CHW, and the difference being made in Israel and around the world. “I think CHW has the same relevance today for Israel as it’s always had,” she said. Israel is home to Jews from all over the world, and it is necessary for us to give back and show our support however we can. A Legacy Circle Gift is a great way to leave a lasting legacy, provide support for Israel, ensure the continuation of CHW projects, and to help change the world.
Learn more about the Legacy Circle program www.chw.ca/support-us/legacy-circle/
“
As soon as I heard about the Legacy Circle I said, “that is a wonderful idea,’ and was one of the first to sign up,” said Sharon. “So, to me, it’s a conclusion of however I can give, whatever instruments there are. It’s just a continuation of how I give to CHW.
Living a
life
that lasts
Sharon Kroft has been a member of CHW for over 40 years. During that time she has held positions at the Chapter, City, and National levels. Sharon was the Toronto Centre President for two years from 1997-99, and currently sits as the President of the Gila Chapter in Toronto. Being a part of CHW has truly been a lifelong love affair for Sharon.
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CHW Legacy Circle
CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Sharon Kroft Sharon grew up in Windsor, Ontario and moved to Toronto as a teenager. After living in Toronto for a few years she moved away for university. Following univeristy, Sharon settled in Toronto once again. By the time she got married and had children, she still had not established a core group of friends in the city. A friend of hers invited to her to a Gila Chapter meeting, and she thought it was the perfect opportunity to make new friends in Toronto. At the time, Sharon was a young mother with two little boys, so she fit in perfectly with the rest of the young mothers in the chapter. That first meeting laid down the foundation for meaningful friendships and a bond to CHW that has lasted a lifetime. She says, “the Gila Chapter had such wonderful women, and they have been my lifelong friends. The chapter has been everything to me: friends I have had my entire life are from Gila. After all these years we have shared so much together. We have been at each other’s simchas, we have celebrated with each other, and we have been through hardships together. I imagine a lot of us will be friends forever.”
Having spent 18 years as a Speech Pathologist, making a difference in a child’s life every day, Sharon’s commitment to bettering the lives of others had a broader reach than just her professional occupation. Supporting children in Israel is a natural fit. CHW has been a crucial part of Sharon’s entire adult life, not only because of the friendships she has made, but also because of her dedication to supporting Israel. She has worked hard for CHW for so many years, and has helped CHW in many ways. From being a National Officer, to being Chapter President, Sharon has always been involved in CHW projects and fundraisers. So it should come as no surprise that Sharon was one of the very first women to join the Legacy Circle. “As soon as I heard about the Legacy Circle I said, “that is a wonderful idea,’ and was one of the first to sign up.” She continued by saying, “so, to me, it’s a conclusion of however I can give, whatever instruments there are. It’s just a continuation of how I give to CHW.” Sharon believes that philanthropy is a process, and that you need to walk before you can run. Before joining the Legacy Circle, it is important to start out as an annual donor, and if you’re comfortable, become a monthly donor or a Sustainer. If you want to continue to support CHW projects, then the natural progression would be to join the Legacy Circle and leave a planned gift to CHW in your will. For Sharon, philanthropy is a lifetime reward, and not something that ends when you pass. It is a way to leave behind a lasting legacy, and a way to continue to improve the lives of others when you are no longer physically able to do so. She said, “I realize I have had a very good life, my children have had a very good life, and my grandchildren. I only want other children to not suffer, and to have a good life as well. It just seems fair to me.”
Sharon and her husband Fred
And that’s how Sharon’s love affair with CHW began: with friendship.
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Living a
life
that lasts
Rochelle Levinson has been involved with Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) for just about half a century. Her relationship with CHW began when she moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver. Moving to a new city, Rochelle didn’t know many people other than her husband. So, what did she do to make friends? She joined CHW, of course! This was a perfect way for Rochelle to become a part of a great cause, and make great friends. She joined the Aviva Chapter, and is still active in the Chapter to this day. [ 37 ] Summer 2016 ORAH Magazine ORAH Summer 2016.indd 38
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CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Rochelle Levinson For Rochelle, that was the start of something great. At the Chapter level, Rochelle held just about every role possible, and she is still Chair of the annual fundraiser held by the Aviva Chapter. Apart from being active at the Chapter and local levels, Rochelle has also been incredibly involved with CHW at the national level as well. She began her CHW National journey joining the National Executive, later becoming National Secretary, Vice-President, and from 2002 to 2005 Rochelle served as CHW National President. With such a long established background with CHW it only made sense for Rochelle that the next logical step was to continue her dedication by joining the CHW Legacy Circle. Rochelle shared, “I felt that I wanted to leave behind something I believe in. CHW has been a very large part of my life, as you can imagine for the last 50 years.” When asked if there was a particular CHW project that influenced her decision to join the Legacy Circle, she mentioned that she has always had a special connection to Netanya Technological High School. The Club Room at Netanya bears her name, honouring her presidency. She had this to share about Netanya, “What impressed me most, was the feeling I got when I was in Netanya. The Director was an outstanding man - he cared for these kids almost like it was his own family. I felt that anything I could do to help him and his school was really a worthwhile cause.” Rochelle continued by saying, “I just felt a very strong attachment to Netanya. I felt that since I have something named after me I would like to do what I can to help out. There isn’t much I can do for them now, but I can leave a lasting legacy for them.” However, it is not only Netanya that influenced Rochelle’s Legacy gift, “The Directors at all our projects are extremely
involved in the institutions. It’s outstanding how the kids are cared for at the daycares. They have a level of care there that looks like it exceeds what goes on here in this country. I would like to see that level of work and care carried on.” As for advice to people considering joining the Legacy Circle Rochelle says, “It’s something that should probably come from within. You have to want to help your people, but also your children. Most people think our legacy goes through our children, but they’ll make their own in their life. So you have to do something that you feel good about. I think legacy is a very personal gift.”
“
What impressed me most was the feeling I got when I got when I was in Netanya
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Rochelle also believes that the CHW Legacy Circle is an incredibly important project that CHW started. “It’s open to everyone, regardless of what your contribution is. It’s out there as a means of giving, and I think that’s very important; lots of people just don’t think of it. In a lot of cases people sometimes can’t give now, but can give after.” The Legacy Circle Gift is one that keeps on giving. Israel is the home for Jews all over the world, and it is necessary that we give back and support Israel when we can. The Legacy Circle Gift allows you to leave a lasting legacy, and provide support for Israel.
Learn more about the Legacy Circle program, visit: www.chw.ca/support-us/legacy-circle/ ORAH Magazine Summer 2016 [ 38 ]
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CHW LEGACY CIRCLE:
Marion Mayman
Commitment to Canadian Hadassah-WIZO (CHW) has been a driving force in Marion Mayman’s life. A member for over 30 years, she has personally pledged to make a lasting impact on projects devoted to Children, Healthcare and Women in Israel and Canada. Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Marion fell in love with Israel when she and her husband Shlomo lived on a moshav shitufi (partnership settlement). They returned to North America five years later, spending two years in Boston while Shlomo studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). From that point on, Marion and Shlomo lived all over Canada, from the small town of Pinawa, Manitoba, to the larger political centre of Ottawa, finally settling in Toronto. A mother of three and grandmother of five, Marion remains very involved in the Jewish community. Marion was introduced to CHW in her youth while living in Sydney, where her mother was a dedicated member. “In small communities, all Jewish women were a part of CHW,”
says Marion. “I am proud to say that even today - with about only 15 Jewish women living there - the Chapter continues to be engaged.” When Marion was seventeen, she was very involved in Canadian Young Judaea (CYJ), acting as President for the Maritime Region. At the time, CYJ provided a leadership training program in Israel where fifteen youth from across Canada were invited to attend. Marion was one of the few selected to participate in this program. In turn, the Queen Esther Chapter of CHW Sydney held a luncheon to honour Marion. “The Queen Esther Chapter was very helpful, and made sure I was ready for my upcoming trip,” says Marion. Several years later, when Marion and her family moved to Ottawa, she became involved with CHW. Edith Kizell z’l, who was then CHW Ottawa President, recruited Marion as the Convention Chair. Over the years, Marion took on various roles within the organization, from sitting on numerous committees and boards to serving as a National
Officer for nearly twelve years. A Past President of CHW Ottawa, Marion was National VicePresident before being elected National President from 19992002. “I have been immersed in CHW for a long time,” says Marion. “The organization has always been important to me, and I knew from a young age what the role of CHW is and the critical work that we do, so it was natural for me to get involved.” When Legacy Circle was first introduced, Marla Dan, who was National President at the time, spoke about the program at a meeting in Toronto. According to Marion, “Marla made a strong case for the Legacy Circle program, informing us that bequests enable CHW to continue to enrich lives and build better tomorrows for those who depend on the organization’s support.” Many of those in attendance at the meeting were inspired, Marion included, and joined the Legacy Circle soon thereafter. While she has supported so many of CHW’s projects devoted to Children, Healthcare and
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“The Legacy Circle is a meaningful way that we can contribute to the work that CHW does, and I encourage everyone to leave their own lasting legacy.” Women over the years, Marion knew that she could never turn her back on CHW, even after she’s gone. While there are several ways to bestow a legacy gift, Marion decided to endow a bequest to CHW through her will. She says, “The Legacy Circle is truly an opportunity for me to make an even greater impact. CHW has been an integral part of my life for so many years, that it’s hard to just forget about my involvement and walk away. The Legacy Circle provides an opportunity for me to be remembered and for my family and friends to know just how meaningful CHW is to me”. For others who are thinking of leaving a bequest, Marion’s advice is simple: “What doesn’t matter is how much you leave, what is essential is to leave something. This was always my theory as National President: to give what you can afford. The work that CHW does is impactful, and needs to continue for many more years,” she says. “The Legacy Circle is a meaningful way that we can contribute to the work that CHW does, and I encourage everyone to leave their own lasting legacy!” Winter 2015 - PAGE 41
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CHW Legacy Circle
CHW Legacy Circle:
Miriam Peletz About as deep as her family roots are her roots with CHW, and just as Miriam will have a long lasting legacy with her family, she will also have one with CHW. Her CHW Legacy Circle gift will ensure that her memory, and life-long commitment to supporting Israel and CHW will live on. The Legacy Circle gives Miriam the opportunity to continue to make an impact on the lives of others long after she personally cannot.
The most important thing in Miriam Peletz’ s life is her family. Along with her husband of 65 years, Beryl, Miriam has three daughters, 11 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Her legacy as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother is firmly planted in her family’s roots. About as deep as her family roots are her roots with CHW, and just as Miriam will have a long lasting legacy with her family, she will also have one with CHW. Her CHW Legacy Circle gift will ensure that her memory, and life-long commitment to supporting Israel and CHW will live on. The Legacy Circle gives Miriam the opportunity to continue to make an impact on the lives of others, long after she personally cannot.
also held the role of Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice-President at the National level. For Miriam, joining the CHW Legacy Circle was an easy decision. She was the first Legacy Chairman in Montreal, so joining the Legacy Circle was just a natural progression. Miriam says, “I thought that the Legacy gift was very important, I know that it will provide money for all of CHW’s innovative programs that will make an impact for the future of CHW.” She continues, “CHW does so much wonderful work for children, healthcare and women in Israel, and I want to ensure that it continues long after I’m gone.”
Miriam first got involved with CHW many years ago, when a group of her friends wanted to do something that wouldn’t only be fun socially, but more importantly would be a way to do something positive for Israel. Miriam and her friends joined a chapter in Montreal, and she hasn’t looked back since.
CHW has been a part of Miriam’s life for so long that she cannot single out a particular moment in which she instantly decided to become a member of the Legacy Circle. Miriam explains, “just the idea that I can still help contribute to the success of CHW, and all the programs benefitting Israel after I’m gone is truly a wonderful feeling.” Miriam continues by saying, “I love the concept of The Legacy Circle.”
Over her years as a CHW Member, Miriam has held countless positions at chapter, centre, and national levels. She has held every role at the chapter level, including being President of her chapter for 18 years. She has also held every executive role at the Montreal Centre, including President from 1980-82, and has
When asked about the future of her philanthropy, which already has a very impressive history, Miriam says, “I just want to carry on the great work the organization is doing, and it has been an honour to have been able to be a part of CHW for as long as I have.” She also brought up the idea that not knowing
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CHW Legacy Circle
what the younger generation is prepared to do in regard to philanthropic work could potentially be a concern, and is an important reason to leave a bequest to CHW. For others who are thinking about becoming a Legacy Circle member, Miriam would certainly encourage them to do so: “it’s a wonderful feeling to know that you are doing something that you know will carry on after you’re gone.” It isn’t always about the total dollar amount, but the generosity that it inspires, and the legacy you can leave behind. Miriam says, “it doesn’t mean that you have to give a large amount, if everybody would give a little it would
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CHW does so much wonderful work for Children, Healthcare and Women in Israel, and I want to ensure that it continues long after I’m gone.
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ensure the future of the organization will remain strong and prosperous.” The Legacy Circle Gift is one that keeps on giving. Having been to Israel over 20 times, Miriam is well aware just how important giving back to our homeland is. Being is the home for Jews all over the world, it is necessary that we give back and support Israel when we can. The Legacy Circle Gift allows you to leave a lasting legacy, all while providing support for Israel.
Miriam Peletz (right), and Dorothy Retter (left), on what CHW means to them.
CHW Legacy Circle Members*
The ongoing growth and success of Canadian HadassahWIZO’s (CHW) projects depend increasingly on the generosity of those who help us plan for the future. A gift in your will today will help build a better t omorrow. The CHW Legacy Circle honours those who have included CHW in their estate plans or wills. A planned gift to CHW can be made in one or more of the following ways: • Bequest of cash, securities, real estate, art, or other property • Designation of CHW as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy • RRSP, RRIF or a Charitable Insured Annuity • Gift of residual interest • Creation of a charitable remainder trust or a donor-advised fund CHW Legacy Circle Benefits As a member of the CHW Legacy Circle, you receive a Legacy Circle pin, which we know you will wear with pride. Your name also appears in the ORAH magazine. We respect your privacy, should you wish to not have your membership publicized. To learn more about the CHW Legacy Circle, please visit: www.chw.ca/support-us/legacy-circle For more information, or if you have already provided for CHW in your will and would like to be included in the CHW Legacy Circle, please contact CHW National Office: 1-855-477-5964 or 416-477-5964 or by e-mail: info@chw.ca
Anonymous 3, Montreal Freda Abugov, Edmonton Luba Allen, Edmonton Debbie Baylin, Ottawa Bonnie Belzberg, Vancouver Gloria Burnett, Montreal Robin Chernick, Ottawa Anetta Cherninz’l, Halifax Sandra Chernoff, Vancouver Helen Cohen, Toronto Claire Conrad, Vancouver Miriam Cooper, Edmonton Ruth Cooperstock, Victoria Beverley Corber, Vancouver Shirley Croll, Montreal Marla Dan, Toronto Joanne T. Emerman, Vancouver Karen Farkas, Edmonton Margaret Farkas, USA Shelley Fine, Toronto Cynthia Flower, Montreal Sharon Flowerz’l, Montreal Ruth Freeman, Vancouver Corinne Gelfer, Vancouver Lynn Gillman, Ottawa Daniella Givon, Vancouver Marcia & Bernie Glick, Waterloo Lila Goldinz’l, Vancouver Claudia Goldman, Vancouver Gina Grant, Ottawa Helen Greenfeld, Montreal Sharon Grossman, Toronto Roslyn Joseph, Montreal Sharon Kroft, Toronto Bea Kruppz’l, Montreal Judith Levinez’l, Hamilton Rochelle Levinson, Vancouver Marilyn Libin, Calgary Evelyn Maizen, Kingston Judy Mandleman, Vancouver Lorraine Martin, Regina Esther Matlowz’l, Toronto Marion Mayman, Toronto Eunice Mouckleyz’l, Toronto Sylvia M. Pollockz’l, Winnipeg Joyce Raymond, Toronto Bea Schachter, Montreal Marcia Schnoor, Toronto Brondell Shapiro, Toronto Jackie Sheinerz’l, Montreal Judith Silver, London Melissa Singer, Montreal (In memory of Phyllis G. & Leo Singer) Carol Lou Spiegel, Toronto Julie Spira, Toronto *Consent given to disclose name(s) at time of print.
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