Local News
University of Manitoba’s chief fundraiser Stephanie Levene among AFP Manitoba’s 2023 honorees

By MYRON LOVE On Wednesday November 15, the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFT Canada) celebrated the 25th National Philanthropy Day – which recognizes outstanding charitable work throughout the province – culminating in the presentation of a number of awards for individuals and organizations that have stood out for their philanthropic and fundraising achievements.
Among the honorees this year was Stephanie Levene, who was recognized for her outstanding achievement as a professional fundraiser. “I was thrilled to have been chosen for the award this year,” says the University of Manitoba’s Associate Vice-President, Donor Relations, who was presented with her award at a celebration at the Convention Centre on the 15th. “It is always nice to be recognized by your peers.”
In her role as the university’s fundraising leader, she was instrumental in bringing to fruition the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the province. The five-year Front and Centre Campaign – which was publicly launched in 2015 with a goal of $500 million – raised $626 million in total – monies that support research, innovation, new infrastructure, and an enhanced student experience.
“We are striving at the University of Manitoba to attract the best and the brightest in their fields,” she notes.
She reports that “we received amazing support from our alumni. Twenty percent of them made donations to our Front and Centre campaign.”
Generous donations also were offered by the corporate sector, current and retired faculty and staff and such prominent philanthropists as the Asper family and former Winnipegger Ernest Rady.
As noted in the AFP write-up about Levene introducing the Outstanding Professional Fundraiser honoree, at the university she leads a team of 52, encompassing all aspects of fundraising. She was lauded for “continually working to drive the organization to new heights in its fundraising success through some difficult and unprecedented times,” as well as constantly striving for “system improvements”.
She was also praised for her “leadership through various significant projects” and her “exemplary commitment to the philanthropic profession.”
In reference to the latter comment, Levene notes that she strongly believes in giving back. “I appreciate the help of the many people in the profession who contributed to my growth as a fundraising professional and I welcome the opportunity to mentor others who may be new to our profession,” she says.
Fundraising was not the first career choice for Stephanie Levene. The daughter of David and Sherrill Levene (and brother of Jewish Federation of Winnipeg past President Adam Levene) began her working career in the business world as a marketing executive. (She has three U of M degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) and an MBA.)
In an interview with this writer for the JP&N eight years ago, she recalled that the marketing positions she had – while interesting – were not satisfying. “I wanted to be doing something more fulfilling” she said at that time.
So what she did was survey other Asper School alumni about the type of work they were doing. “It was a real education,” she recalled.
Her voyage of discovery led her in 2003 to the United Way where, based on her previous experience, she was initially directed to the Director of Marketing. “I was encouraged to sign up for a 14-week Sponsored Executive position,” she recounted. “It was an incredible experience. It opened up a whole new world to me. I met a wide variety of people and learned a lot about myself and our community.”
Just as the term finished, a full time position opened up at the United Way. Her first position at the United Way was Division Manager, Resource Development. After a couple of years, she was promoted to Senior Manager, then Director of Campaign and Strategic Initiatives. She served in that position for five years and moved to the University of Manitoba in 2011.
“It was an interesting opportunity,” she says of her move to the university. “My position here encompasses all aspects of fundraising.“
While the hugely successful Front and Centre Campaign concluded three years ago, Levene points out that fundraising for the university never stops – right through the Covid lockdowns. “It is really amazing that we continue to raise $50-$60-million a year thanks to the generosity of our incredible alumni and other donors,” she says.
While in the past Levene was able to donate some of her time to the Jewish Foundation Women’s Endowment Fund, she points out that her current position – combined with her volunteer work with AFP Manitoba and raising two young children (eight-year-old John and six-year-old Jacob – both students at Gray Academy) – leaves her little time for anything else right now.
Local News
Thank you to the community from the Chesed Shel Emes

We’re delighted to share a major milestone in our Capital Campaign, “Building on our Tradition.” Launched in November 2018, this campaign aimed to replace our outdated facility with a modern space tailored to our unique needs. Our new building is designed with ritual at its core, featuring ample preparation space, Shomer space, and storage, creating a warm and welcoming environment for our community during times of need.
We’re grateful to the nearly 1,000 generous donors who contributed over $4 million towards our new facility. A $750,000 mortgage will be retired in November 2025, completing this monumental project in just seven years.
We’re also thrilled to announce that our Chesed Shel Emes Endowment Fund has grown tenfold, from $15,000 to $150,000, thanks to you, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s FundMatch program, and Million Dollar Match initiative in 2024. Our fund helps ensure that everyone can have a dignified Jewish funeral regardless of financial need.
As we look to the future, our goal remains to ensure the Chevra Kadisha continues to serve our community for generations to come. Our focus now shifts to replenishing our savings account and growing our JFM Endowment fund.
We’re deeply grateful for your support over the past several years.
It’s our privilege to serve our community with care and compassion.
With sincere appreciation,
Campaign cabinet: Hillel Kravetsky, Gerry Pritchard, Stuart Pudavick,
Jack Solomon, and Rena Boroditsky
Murray S. Greenfield, President
Local News
Winnipeg Beach Synagogue about to celebrate 75th anniversary

By BERNIE BELLAN (July 13) In 1950 a group of cottage owners at Winnipeg Beach took it upon themselves to relocate a one-room schoolhouse that was in the Beausejour area to Winnipeg Beach where it became the beach synagogue at the corner of Hazel and Grove.
There it stayed until 1998 when it was moved to its current location at Camp Massad.
On August 2nd members of the synagogue will be holding a 75th anniversary celebration.

As part of the celebration anyone who is a descendant or relative of any of the original members of the first executive committee (as seen in the photo here) is invited to attend the synagogue that morning.
If you are a relative please contact Abe Borzykowski at wpgbeachshule@shaw.ca or aborzykowski@shaw.ca to let Abe know you might be attending or for more information about the 75th anniversary celebration.
We will soon be publishing a story about the history of the beach synagogue, which is something I’ve been writing about for over 25 years.
Local News
Vickar Family cuts ribbon on new Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre

By MYRON LOVE In the words of Larry Vickar, the Shaarey Zedek’s successful Dor V’ Dor Campaign “is not only a renewal of the synagogue but truly a renewal movement of Jewish life in our community.”An integral part of that renewal movement was the creation of a daycare centre within the expanded synagogue. On Monday, June 23, Larry and Tova Vickar cut the ribbon, thereby officially opening the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre in the presence of 100 of their family members, friends and other supporters of the project.
The short program preceding the morning ribbon-cutting began with a continental breakfast followed by a welcome by both Fanny Levy, Shaarey Zedek’s Board President, and Executive Director Dr. Rena Secter Elbaze. In Elbaze’s remarks, she noted that Larry and Tova wanted their family (including son Stephen and family, who flew in from Florida) and friends at the event to celebrate the opening of the Tova Vickar and Family Childcare Centre, “not because of the accolades, but because, as Larry put it, he hopes that their investment in the congregation will inspire others to do the same.”
“When Larry and I spoke about what this gift meant to him and the message he wanted people to take away,” she continued, “I couldn’t help but connect it to the teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi whose book – Age-ing to Sage-ing – changes the whole way we look at the concept of ageing and basing it on our ancestral teachings.”
She explained that his concept of “Sage-ing” is based on three key ideas – Discover your meaning and purpose; accept our mortality and think about the legacy you want to leave.
“Larry spoke about these exact concepts when we met,” she said.
Elbaze also noted the presence of Shaarey Zedek’s newly-arrived senior Rabbi Carnie Rose, former Rabbi Alan Green, and area MLAs Mike Moroz and Carla Compton.
Larry Vickar expressed his great appreciation for all those in attendance. “Tova and I are deeply moved to stand here with you today for this important milestone in our community”, he said. “We are grateful to be surrounded by all of you, the people we care about, our family and friends… you who have touched our lives and played some part in our journey.”