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“I did not find the world desolate when I entered it;
my fathers planted for me before I was born; so do I plant
for those who will come after me.” Jerusalem Talmud:
Ta’anith, 23a This quote from the Talmud best expresses
the way our family feels about giving back to the community.
Over the last five decades my parents, Sydney and Florence
Cooper, have been deeply involved in the community and with
helping others. Through their commitment and support of Toronto’s
Jewish and secular community organizations, and the State
of Israel, they have set an example for me, my siblings, our
spouses and our children.
In our family it is not enough to just participate financially
or to limit our support to one organization.
We have been encouraged by our parents to take leadership
roles in the organizations we support.
Personally, I have had the privilege of serving as president
of the Mount Sinai Hospital Auxiliary, and the Women’s
Auxiliary of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care. I have
followed the example of my mother who has participated as
a member of these Auxiliaries since the 1950s.
Over the last thirty years there have been many new initiatives
at UJA Federation in Women’s Campaign & Advocacy.
From the introduction of the "A Dollar a Day" campaign
in the 1960s, which was co-chaired by my mother and launched
at our home, to our participation as Lions of Judah, we have
always felt a deep connection with the goals of UJA Federation.
Our family’s involvement in the community has reflected
our shared concern for all members of society. Our charitable
endeavours have primarily focused on healthcare, education
and providing for our aged. Through the Lion of Judah Endowment
we are ensured that our commitment to these ideals will continue
for generations.
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