Dear Fellow Community Members,

This year, the Federation's Combined Jewish Appeal had more canvassers, more new Young Adult Division donors, and more people at our top donor and Women's Philanthropy events than ever before! The annual campaign, which started way back in September 2014 and recently ended on March 31, 2015, was full of life, excitement and activity. And while the campaign is officially closed, a number of closing events are still to be held, with great inspirational speakers who will encourage us to remain active, engaged and committed to the annual campaign, and the community in general. The final campaign total raised is $5.7 million. This figure is down from last year, but does not represent the full range of successes that the Federation and its agencies have generated over the past seven months. As we plan for the next year, the future is strong, with great Board leadership, and growth in our Young Adult Division and Women's Philanthropy. A new campaign team is reaching out even further than ever before, and the development of enhanced relationships with our beneficiary agencies and other communal organizations will allow for even stronger cooperation. Like the Winnipeg Jets and their passion for winning the Stanley Cup we all know that the future is looking good both for our hockey team and the Federation!

The 'flip side' of our annual campaign and the raising of funds for communal needs is the Federation's annual allocation process. By the time you have received this email, a dedicated group of Federation volunteers will have spent countless hours reading documents, listening to presentations, asking questions and making notes with respect to the Federation's beneficiary agencies and their needs – on-going and unmet. They will hear the presidents and executive directors of twelve organizations come before them and speak about the great work being done in the community in areas as diverse as counseling, day school education, special needs, adult education, cultural activities, overnight camping, Holocaust education and day care. The Federation takes seriously the trust donors have in us to do the right thing with your donation, which is why the allocations process is as rigorous and in-depth as it is. I want to take this opportunity to thank all volunteers and professionals who make this process possible, so that the critical needs of this community can be provided for on a year-by-year basis, and I welcome questions and comments about allocations from anyone in the community who wishes to know more about how these decisions are made as we continually strive to improve the process.

I also would like to reflect on the events of this past month with regards to our community’s dedication to commemorating the past and celebrating our present and future. Having been present at many Shoah-week events, I was overwhelmed to see the commitment this community has in remembering those who perished, and supporting those who survived. We as a community were honoured to have the support of Premier Selinger, Minister Shelley Glover, Mayor Bowman and 250 members of our community at the public Yom HaShoah commemoration at the foot of the Holocaust Monument on the Legislative grounds. The number of people in attendance at Yom Hazikaron to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers was heart-warming, and all of us were moved by those involved in the program. Finally, last week the Asper Campus was over-flowing with people of all ages in the vibrant celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. With games, Israeli music, dancing, children and teen choirs, authentic Israeli food and fireworks, this community moved from commemoration to celebration in a way that shows our love of Israel.

In the fall of 2015 the Federation will once again lead a community-wide mission to Israel and this is one more way that our community will be able to share  our love of our homeland, by spending time in Israel, supporting the country and its economy, and marveling in this shining star of democracy that is but a baby at 67 years of age! For more information, please contact  Elaine Goldstine.
 

Finally, I encourage our community to click on this image which tells a snapshot of how involved Israel is with respect to providing aid to earthquake victims in Nepal.  In terms of on the ground support, Israel truly is a leader of all nations and we should not only be very proud of this fact, but spread the word!
 

As always, I enjoy sharing with the community a taste of the range of activities taking place with the Federation and our beneficiary agency partners. For May, the list (as always) is long and very exciting!

• Taglit Birthright Israel trips | May-August | Winnipeg will be sending over 40 participants between the ages of 18-26 to Israel.
• Gray Academy of Jewish Education Graduation Convocation Ceremony | May 12, 1:00pm | Etz Chayim Synagogue.
• Information meeting for Missions to Israel taking place in Oct 22-Nov 5, 2015 | May 12 | Contact Elaine for more info.
• Rady JCC Strictly Tweens for Grades 5 & 6 | May 16, 6:30-9:00pm | Advance registration by May 14: 204.477.7510 or www.radyjcc.com.
• Community Wide Lag BaOmer-Yom Yerushalayim Celebration | May 17, 3:00pm-10:00pm | Six Pines Farm | More info here.
• Kosher Night Out | Guest speaker Mrs. Rivkah Slonim | May 18, 8:00pm | Jewish Learning Institute.
• Rady JCC’s Chofshi Young LGBTQ Jews Presents movie Melting Away | May 19, 7:30pm | Adult Lounge, Rady JCC | Free event | Contact Salo Podolosky for more info.
• Community-Wide Shavuot | May 23, 6:30pm | 620 Brock | Contact Rena for more info.
• Winnipeg International Jewish Film Festival | May 26-June 6 | Berney Theatre | Tickets: 204.477.7510 or www.radyjcc.com. 

With thanks,

Adam Bronstone
Chief Executive Officer