Once all pledges are accounted for, the 2009 Combined Jewish Appeal projects the regular Campaign has raised $36,558,557.  In addition to this base contribution, members of the community donated another $3,589,574 in one-time and designated gifts for Israel and local needs.

“This represents a significant achievement under very difficult economic circumstances,” said Jack Hasen, President of FEDERATION CJA. “I want to commend our donors for their generosity and our volunteers for their dedication. Despite the anxieties many feel with regard to their own situation, the community responded generously to our Campaign and remains determined to support our efforts to help the most vulnerable. Once again the Montreal community has proven that it is among the most generous in the entire Jewish world.”

The 2009 Campaign took place during the worst recession in decades. At the same time as unemployment rose and more members of the community found themselves in need of services, prospective donors were concerned about their own financial future. It was a formula for a difficult fundraising environment. Nonetheless, Montreal’s Jewish community proved its commitment to the federation system and to the principle of combined giving, through which their gift is assured of contributing to the funding the programs and services that are most critical.

Community leaders and professionals will now engage in the challenging budget process, whereby priorities are identified and allocations determined.

“Difficult choices will have to be made,” said Hasen. “Be assured, all decisions will be taken after extensive consultation with representatives from our agencies. Our guiding principle will be to do the most we can for the people who are looking to us for assistance, and to continue building a better community for our future.”

Hundreds of volunteers and donors brought toys to the Campaign closing event. These will be distributed to needy children in Chanukah baskets. It was an opportunity to supports of the Combined Jewish Appeal to perform yet another mitzvah.

The Executive of FEDERATION CJA thanks this year’s Combined Jewish Appeal leadership team – Ian Karper, Chair, General Campaign; Sandy Martz, Chair, Women’s Campaign; Moise Amselem, Chair, Sepharade Campaign; Galit Suissa Antebi, Chair, Sepharade Women’s Campaign; Marc Kimmel, Chair, Young Leadership Campaign; and Evan Paperman, Chair, Campus Campaign – as well as the entire staff. It extends gratitude to all of the volunteers who helped the Campaign achieve its goals. Especially, our thanks go out to more than 18,000 donors who showed their compassion by offering a gift.