Canadian Hadassah-WIZO’s 2015 annual campaign, “Big needs, caring hearts,” is underway in support of projects in Israel. This pillar of CHW’s fundraising provides $1.42 million in aid to children in CHW’s six day-care centres, at-risk youth at CHW’s four schools, women and seniors at CHW’s two community centres, and helps those seeking medical care at CHW’s two hospitals. In Canada, CHW supports Canadian Young Judaea summer camps.
“For me, the theme for this year’s annual campaign encompasses everything that our donors and volunteers do for CHW,” said Claudia Goldman, CHW national president. “Each has their own personal story for why they support the precious work of CHW. And, together, they make a statement about their strong belief in supporting the Jewish people by engaging in the mission of CHW, which shows what huge hearts they all have.”
Donations received through the campaign make a difference for those in CHW’s care. For almost 100 years, the organization has ensured that immediate needs are met by continually reviewing the pressing issues concerning those served by CHW projects and delivering solutions.
An example of this is the new French Na’aleh program. Youth from French-speaking countries (many times those who have faced mounting antisemitism in their home countries) have found a haven at CHW’s Hadassim dormitory school, allowing these students to focus on their studies in a secure environment. Eli, a student in the program from Paris, said, “Since being at CHW Hadassim, I no longer hide my Jewish heritage. At home, I could not go out in public with my Star of David necklace on. Here, I wear it proudly and with confidence.”
With the help of donors and friends, CHW works to improve the lives of children, women and families who are battling hunger, illness, domestic violence and other complex issues.
One additional way to support the work of CHW is to attend a mission to Israel. One such trip leaves Canada on April 20, bringing CHW members and friends to Israel for a 10-day visit. Over the course of the trip, the mission aims to provide participants with a better understanding of what CHW has accomplished in its nearly 100-year history, while bringing to light the challenges that face Israelis today. A mission highlight will be experiencing Yom Hazikaron and celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut alongside their Israeli brothers and sisters.
This is the first mission led by Goldman, the newly elected national president. Over her two-year term, Goldman will concentrate on partnership through three components: Israel, volunteers and donors. She said, “My vision for CHW is based on the belief that each child we help is a life changed. Each woman we support is a life improved for the better. Each family we impact becomes strengthened. CHW makes it possible to fulfil the dream of making the world a better place, and we will continue to reach this goal by working hand-in-hand with our partners in Israel, our volunteers and donors. CHW’s mission to Israel enables us to foster these relationships.”
CHW is a leading Jewish women’s philanthropic organization. Founded in 1917, CHW is nonpartisan, volunteer driven and funds a multitude of programs and projects for children, health care and women in Israel and Canada. With a membership of 10,000, CHW has offices in more than 40 locations across Canada. For more information, visit chw.ca or contact Alina Ianson, CHW national executive director, at [email protected].