The Combined Jewish Appeal just completed its most successful campaign ever, raising over $5.4 million from over 6,000 donors, and it’s not surprising. With our long-standing history of generosity, Winnipeg consistently ranks amongst the highest of like-sized communities in the dollars raised relative to our population and the level of donor participation. A recent benchmarking study undertaken by Jewish Federations of North America confirmed this. 
 
2010 was the first year of the Securing Our Future Campaign. This multi-year fundraising initiative was the result of a comprehensive strategic review of community needs to insure that Jewish Winnipeg remains vibrant and connected for the next generation that follows.
 
The goal of Securing Our Future is to increase revenue from both the CJA annual campaign and endowments through The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. The population of the Jewish community has increased to 16,500, and will continue to increase as more newcomers call Winnipeg home, and as we successfully engage younger members of our community. As a result, the demand on services provided at the local level is increasing accordingly. Demand for daycare services both on campus and in the north end of the city is rising, enrollment at the Gray Academy and memberships at the Rady JCC are almost at capacity, and an increasing number of children are enjoying Jewish summer camping experiences.
 
As a community, we are responding to these challenges with a proactive approach, connecting with the less affiliated members of the community through a variety of Jewish engagement programs. One shining example is the PJ Library program initiated by the Harold Greenspoon Foundation in the United States, whereby children in the community between the ages of 6 months and 6 years receive a free book each month on a Jewish theme. Over 400 children in the community are enrolled in the program, a far greater number than originally projected.  Half of the cost of this program is covered by the Federation.
 
Of course, it’s people that make things happen. A great deal of appreciation is extended to the 2010 Campaign Chairs, Hope and Howard Morry, the Chair of Women’s Philanthropy, Marcia Cosman, the hundreds of volunteers, and the professional staff under the direction of Elaine Goldstine.
 
Together, the task ahead of us is to build on the momentum and success of the campaign in 2011 and beyond. We are a strong, thriving community and we should all be very proud of how much we have accomplished.
 
For more information on the Combined Jewish Appeal, contact Elaine Goldstine at 477-7427 or [email protected].