Friends,
Here we are in the middle of Hanukkah, adding more light each and every night. Our candles stand as symbols of freedom and pride.
Making a gift to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba is a lot like lighting a Hanukkah candle. The light of the Foundation shines brightly for students who need scholarships, and for organizations that need support to improve the lives of the people they serve.
In 2017, donors and fundholders stepped forward to add light to our community – a light that will shine brightly for all time. Here are a few highlights I am pleased to share:
- Our total assets now exceed $113 million.
- More than 30 new participants took part in the Endowment Book of Life program, bringing our total to over 800.
- The Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble and Temple Shalom have joined our FundMatch program. Eleven organizations have signed up for our FundMatch and BERVIN Incentive programs as of today.
- Of the 11 participating organizations, four reached their first benchmarks this year and earned an $18,000 FundMatch top-up (Chai, Temple Shalom, the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education, and the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre at Syd Glow Place).
- While we won’t know our final numbers until after December 31, we are seeing a positive trend in new giving. Our total revenues this year will likely keep pace with recent years.
The numbers are impressive and more information will be shared in our annual report. Growing the numbers is striking the match. To feel the effects of the light, we need to look at the impact of your giving and the growth of your funds.
In 2017, because of you, we were able to help schools and camps enhance their equipment and facilities; help our community sponsor Yazidi refugees; help send students on the March of the Living Holocaust education program; help local shelters make life more comfortable for the people who need them; help people with mental health challenges; and much, much more. Please look at our 2017 newsletters to learn more.
The founders of our Foundation lit the first candle over 50 years ago. Our community excels in its glow. The lights we light today will ensure a strong community in the future – a community that embraces tradition, celebrates diversity, acts strategically and with compassion, and plays an active role with other communities in shaping our beautiful Manitoba.
Happy Hanukkah!
Marsha Cowan
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish Foundation of Manitoba