3 minute read
Woman/Man of Distinction Carole Zucker
from ORAH SUMMER 2020
by CHW
WOMAN OF Distinction
Carole Zucker
When my sister Wendy Eisen and I were growing up, Hadassah (now CHW,) was a household name. Each fall, Wendy and I eagerly looked forward to the Hadassah Bazaar.
Our mother, Allie Herman, an active Member of Ruth Chapter, held positions of leadership in the 1950’s as Chairman of Hadassim and Chairman of Bazaar.
Our grandmother, Rose Herman was a member of the Western Chapter and every summer, grandma would collect $5 from her friends and neighbors in Jackson’s Point for her chapter tea in the fall.
In the early 1960s, my sister Wendy was Chair of the Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter in Montreal, which she had helped form with her newly married friends.
In 1957, my mother assisted me to found CHW Toronto Noar Chapter with a group of young brides. I held the office of President for two years. Mom, Lil Gold, and Bobby Wilson became our mentors. Noar quickly became a chapter to be reckoned with. We girls were enthusiastic and fun.
We planned avant garde fundraising events and there was many a time that ‘our mentors’ were brought before the Executive Board to plead our case on our behalf. Our Noar girls loved my mother, and it was only many years later that I learned from many of them that they would frequently call her for advice, knowing they could trust her.
In the fall of 1964, I went on my first trip to Israel with my parents.
My mother and I experienced a wonderful visit to the CHW Hadassim Children and Youth Village, which had been established in 1947 to provide a home for orphaned children following World War II.
This emphasized to us how lucky we were to be living safely in Canada with our children during the war. It inspired us to do everything we could to help these children grow up to be solid Israeli citizens
Working for Hadassah was the beginning of my career in philanthropy. Hadassah gave me the confidence to enter my family business in 1970, and take on future leadership roles in other organizations in the community.
For 62 years, I have had the good fortune to work alongside the many wonderful women of Noar Chapter. In those days, The Hadassah Bazaar, which took place in November, at the Automotive Building at the CNE was the most exciting fundraising event of the year.
Noar had a double booth, selling toys, costume jewelry, shoes and clothing – anything imaginable. In the 1970’s, I co-chaired the Bazaar’s Auction for more years than I can remember, and I then went on to chair Noar’s Fashion Show Auction at Bazaar.
For many years, Noar was one of the top chapter money raisers – money which went to The CHW Nahalal Children and Youth Village in Israel.
Noar’s interest in Arts and Crafts began in the late 70’s, when I co-chaired a craft show 2 years in a row at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. This evolved into Noar’s famous Art Day in which I actively participated. Art Day continued until about 5 years ago*. All funds that were raised went to Youth Aliyah.
In 2003, Noar presented me with a star on the Braun Wall of Honour.
This experience influenced me greatly and it gives me great pleasure to be able to continue to help CHW projects, like CHW Hadassim. Since then it has grown and evolved into a safe haven for children in need. The Healing Broken Families program receives referrals from the Child Welfare Authority and children who are unable to live at home are placed in CHW’s Family Units and dormitories which provides programs for them. The children receive emotional, social and educational support and are encouraged to stay in contact with their parents through specialized therapy sessions and family excursions. Healing broken Families are saving lives of Israeli children with their life-saving services at CHW Hadassim.
*CHW Toronto Machar Chapter took the reins from Noar and continued the tradition of Art Day, and it is just as popular as ever!
To learn more about the Woman/Man of Distinction program, please visit: chw.ca/support-us/major-gifts/womanman-of-distinction
