JFS / JIAS Montreal fundraising event a complete success

Profits from film premiere will provide support

for services to vulnerable families

One hundred thousand dollars was raised on April 13 at a premiere screening of the internationally acclaimed film, Gloomy Sunday, with proceeds to be shared by Jewish Family Services of the Baron de Hirsch Institute (JFS) and Jewish Immigrant Aid Services (JIAS) Montreal for services to vulnerable families.

The sell-out event at the Centre Cinéma Impérial was made possible through the generosity of numerous sponsors, and drew more than 750 attendees. CJAD’s Tommy Schnurmacher, the Master of Ceremonies, captivated the audience with a personal account of his family’s journey from their native Hungary. He also described how JIAS and the Montreal Jewish Community helped his family upon arriving in Montreal.

Co-Chairs Joyce Fishman, Peggy Ross Bybelezer, Kayla Schneiderman and Cynthia Telio called the event a “complete success”, agreeing that the no-frills style contributed to the evening’s high attendance and financial success.

“I have been involved at JFS for over eight years and I am continually amazed by the innovative and creative solutions that come out of this organization,” said JFS President Mitchell Shiller. “I am privileged to work with a devoted, talented staff and to be supported by a unique, unselfish Board of Directors. On their behalf, I thank each and every one of you for your support and for helping us to do our job.”

“Let’s not forget that at one time or another, whether it be one, two, or three generations ago, our families all immigrated to Montreal,” said David Sela, President of JIAS Montreal. “Dollars raised will provide essential dental care for our clients, invaluable camping experiences for children, schoolbooks and uniforms and support to the parents of newborn Canadian babies whose immediate families are miles and miles away.”

Jewish Family Services of the Baron de Hirsch Institute offers a variety of services designed to educate, support, and help families in the Jewish community and the community at large. Its commitment is to provide services in an atmosphere of hope, health and dignity, spanning the entire family lifecycle.

JIAS Montreal provides support and guidance to newly arrived Jewish immigrants and refugees. Through a wide array of services and programs, JIAS Montreal plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all newcomers live in dignity and with respect as they establish their new lives in Montreal.

Photo Credits: Howard Kay