How Inflation is Affecting our Community
Shabbat Message from CEO Ezra S. Shanken
October 14, 2022 | 19 Tishrei 5783
This message has about 695 words and will take less than 3 minute to read.
Chag sameach! This week and next are short work weeks at our office due to the chagim, but there is still much to update you on.
The first is the work we have been doing to understand the impact of inflation on our partners. We have all been shocked by things like the price of gas, and many people are feeling it when they write their rent cheque or buy groceries. Inflation is a new burden for community members who were already stretched.
But what does the full picture look like for our community? In order to understand that we adapted questions developed by the Conference Board of Canada to survey small businesses, and then we reached out to our partners, including synagogues, day schools, and Louis Brier Home and Hospital, to gather their experiences.
What we found is that the extent to which our community has been affected is significant.
We will be working closely with our partners to monitor the situation and consider how we might provide targeted support. In uncertain times like these, it is increasingly important that they have a consistent, predictable source of support to rely on, and they have that in the Federation Annual Campaign.
We are fortunate to have very generous donors across our community, many of which are women.
On November 3, hundreds of women who have made a gift to the Annual Campaign will join event co-chairs, Jaclyn Dayson and Lisa Averbach, at Choices.
All women in our community are invited and very welcome to attend. It doesn’t matter if you are affiliated with a particular organization or stream of Judaism. If you are a woman who is connected to our community, you will be warmly welcomed!
An important reminder about Choices: you don’t need a table captain. Just register online and tell us who you want to sit with and we’ll seat you together.
Israeli Consular Services are coming back October 30 to November 1.
In collaboration with our Israel and Global Engagement department, the Consular department of the Embassy of Israel in Canada will offer consular services in the Metro Vancouver area once again. If you or your relatives require these services, please use this sign-up form.
We like to end with good news and today it is the announcement of a new team member!
Kimberley Berger has joined us as our new outreach worker in the regional communities. In particular, she will focus on White Rock, South Surrey, and New Westminster.
Kimberley worked in the non-profit sector for over 30 years, focusing on community development and family support. She has held many roles ranging from front line work to executive director of South Vancouver Family Place. She also dedicates her time to supporting parents whose children are undergoing cancer treatment at BC Children’s Hospital with the West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation.
Kimberley believes that a strong sense of connection makes both individuals and communities more resilient. Building relationships is central to her role at Jewish Federation and in her own personal life with her family of four in East Vancouver.
She is excited to be supporting the development of strong and connected Jewish communities in areas across the region in her role with us—and we are very happy to have her join our team! When you see her out in the community, please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to her new role.
The first is the work we have been doing to understand the impact of inflation on our partners. We have all been shocked by things like the price of gas, and many people are feeling it when they write their rent cheque or buy groceries. Inflation is a new burden for community members who were already stretched.
But what does the full picture look like for our community? In order to understand that we adapted questions developed by the Conference Board of Canada to survey small businesses, and then we reached out to our partners, including synagogues, day schools, and Louis Brier Home and Hospital, to gather their experiences.
What we found is that the extent to which our community has been affected is significant.
- 91% of respondents are concerned or very concerned that the rise in food and fuel costs will affect their ability to maintain the same level of programs and services.
- 91% were also concerned or very concerned that inflation would affect community members’ ability to fully participate in Jewish life.
- 100% of our social service partners are concerned or very concerned that inflation will affect their ability to support clients’ needs.
We will be working closely with our partners to monitor the situation and consider how we might provide targeted support. In uncertain times like these, it is increasingly important that they have a consistent, predictable source of support to rely on, and they have that in the Federation Annual Campaign.
We are fortunate to have very generous donors across our community, many of which are women.
On November 3, hundreds of women who have made a gift to the Annual Campaign will join event co-chairs, Jaclyn Dayson and Lisa Averbach, at Choices.
All women in our community are invited and very welcome to attend. It doesn’t matter if you are affiliated with a particular organization or stream of Judaism. If you are a woman who is connected to our community, you will be warmly welcomed!
An important reminder about Choices: you don’t need a table captain. Just register online and tell us who you want to sit with and we’ll seat you together.
Israeli Consular Services are coming back October 30 to November 1.
In collaboration with our Israel and Global Engagement department, the Consular department of the Embassy of Israel in Canada will offer consular services in the Metro Vancouver area once again. If you or your relatives require these services, please use this sign-up form.
We like to end with good news and today it is the announcement of a new team member!
Kimberley Berger has joined us as our new outreach worker in the regional communities. In particular, she will focus on White Rock, South Surrey, and New Westminster.
Kimberley worked in the non-profit sector for over 30 years, focusing on community development and family support. She has held many roles ranging from front line work to executive director of South Vancouver Family Place. She also dedicates her time to supporting parents whose children are undergoing cancer treatment at BC Children’s Hospital with the West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation.
Kimberley believes that a strong sense of connection makes both individuals and communities more resilient. Building relationships is central to her role at Jewish Federation and in her own personal life with her family of four in East Vancouver.
She is excited to be supporting the development of strong and connected Jewish communities in areas across the region in her role with us—and we are very happy to have her join our team! When you see her out in the community, please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to her new role.
Shabbat shalom and chag sameach.
Ezra S. Shanken
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Kimberley Berger