One of Winnipeg’s top Jewish fundraisers is being honoured by Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University (CABGU) for his unwavering commitment and contribution to his community. This week, the Canadian fundraising arm of Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) announced the launch of the Sheldon & Florence Zamick Family Fund to support students attending BGU.

“I am humbled by the fact that CABGU would honour me and my family in such a wonderful and touching way,” says Zamick. “I always try to help others so the world can be a much better place and I am grateful for this special recognition.”

The fund, which is needs-based, is being spearheaded by the board of the Winnipeg chapter of CABGU along with a generous donor.  “I have had the great fortune and pleasure to meet some brilliant students who attend, or have attended, BGU,” explains Zamick. "I believe that no student should be denied a post secondary education due to financial constraints.”

Zamick and his wife Florence, have been married for nearly 40 years. He is the former president of the Winnipeg chapter of CABGU where he served a seven-year term and sat on the National Board. He is also a well known and respected businessman with a strong passion for philanthropy. “I have spent my whole life raising millions of dollars for many important causes including Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the Canadian Institute for the Blind, Combined Jewish Appeal, the Jewish National  Fund, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the Manitoba Shelter Foundation." 

Close friend, and BGU World Board of Governors member Larry Vickar adds “I have known Sheldon for many years as a tireless volunteer for many Jewish and non-Jewish organizations. This endowment will serve as a fitting tribute to an individual who has always been passionate, willing, and able in all his roles”

The CABGU Winnipeg Board of Directors, along with Executive Director Zach Ostrove is spearheading the scholarship campaign. Together, they set up an endowment fund in Sheldon’s honour to be housed at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. This fund will support an annual scholarship at Ben-Gurion University, in perpetuity.

Ostrove says, “I can think of no better way to properly honour Sheldon’s dedication and commitment of to BGU than to launch a scholarship with his families name attached to it.” Ostrove, and Winnipeg board members have each contributed to the fund. “I am happy to say that we have already raised a significant amount, I anticipate that there will be national support and this will be a tremendously successful initiative”

CABGU CEO Mark Mendelson adds, “I have known Sheldon Zamick for almost a decade. He is a man who leads by example! This is the perfect way to recognize his many contributions and I hope that you will join us in honouring Sheldon with a meaningful gift towards the fund.”

To learn more about how you can give to the Sheldon & Florence Zamick Family Fund, head to www.bengurion.ca/sheldonzamick/. You can reach out to Winnipeg Executive Director Zach Ostrove at 204-942-7347 or [email protected] to make a donation or to learn more.