Written by Shelley Arron-Cohen, Communications Auxiliary of Hillel Lodge
The seeds of the Lodge itself started as early as 1956 as that included securing the land on Wurtemburg, hiring an architect, raising funds, getting permits, etc. and it took about nine years before the first resident moved into Hillel Lodge in 1965.
Guided by the commandment to, "Honour Thy Father and Thy Mother," a caring Jewish community member, Helen Beiles created the Auxiliary in order to provide the 'extras' that make a residence feel more like a home.
Helen was the first Auxiliary president and lay the foundation for her successors who include Freda Carlofsky, Elsie Baker, Dorothy Goldman, Rachel Nadolny, Celia Wynberg, Eva Epstein, Thelma Steinman, Dora Litwack, Pauline Litwack, Sarah Swedler, Elissa Iny, Naomi Lipsky Cracower, Roz Fremeth, Ruth Tal, Corinne Rothman-Taylor, Shelley Goldenberg and current President, Fran Ross.
Every year, each of these outstanding women led a group of caring volunteers who were and are still deeply committed to Hillel’s residents' well-being and comfort by tirelessly raising the needed funds for extras. Extra touches such as flowers for the Shabbat tables and holiday decorations, gifts for Mothers’ and Fathers’ day, weekly Bingo prizes, birthday haircuts, fish tank maintenance, patient lifts, specialized bathtubs, blankets, new mattresses, furniture and the Dream Garden, have all improved the living environment and comfort of the residents, financed by the Auxiliary and the Lodge’s community fundraising activities.
"The Hillel Lodge Auxiliary plays an extraordinary role in enriching the lives of our residents,” remarks Ted Cohen, CEO of Hillel Lodge. “Through their tireless fundraising efforts and generous volunteerism, they ensure that our residents not only have what they need, but also experience the special moments, comforts, and connections that truly make life meaningful."
Auxiliary Tea: A Taste of Tradition
One very successful annual event was the Auxiliary Tea. They were well-attended and highly anticipated by the community. They featured fashion shows, musicals, dancing, and tables with polished silver serving sets, sandwiches, and fancy pastries. Occasionally the Auxiliary would honour diligent volunteers who made immeasurable contributions.
Play for a Cause: Fun and Fundraising at Great Games Event
When COVID-19 shut the Lodge and everything else down from 2020 to 2023, the teas were discontinued but the Telethon continued with volunteer callers starting each May. After activities resumed post-COVID, Auxiliary members looked for a new project. The first annual Great Games Event (GGE) became the vehicle to raise funds and involve the community. Auxiliary member Aliza Gauzas chaired this very successful afternoon that drew close to 150 attendees who played Bridge, Mah Jongg, Canasta and other board and card games, won an assortment of raffle prizes and ate delicious food catered by Creative Kosher Catering.
Games day Chair, Aliza Gauzas, reflected on the genesis of the games. “The year was 2023. Was it time to gather a large group together again? Auxiliary members were looking for a new fundraiser to support the Lodge residents. We were so excited that the games day event, that we worked so hard to create for October 25th, was sold out! And then the horrific day of October 7th turned our world upside down. Should we cancel? We forged ahead for what was to be a successful, but most importantly, a day of emotional support for many, and it provided the opportunity to see old friends in person, for the first time in a very long time.”
Due to the Great Games Event’s impact on the community, its popularity blossomed with a 25% increase in attendance in 2024. A silent auction was added as well as the raffle, and the delectable treats were generously donated by Cater4U.
The Great Games Event is now in its third year and will be held on November 2nd at Kehillat Beth Israel. This year is expected to sell out as word spreads about how much fun it is! More information to come in another Lodge Line issue.
What do Lodge residents think of the Auxiliary?
Resident Marlyn Lerner thinks, “The Auxiliary is fabulous…they’re doing a wonderful job.” She loves the Bingo and says, “If they ever stop running it, I’ll be terribly upset! I go for the enjoyment and the callers, particularly Evelyn Monson… she and the others are always joking. The flowers are wonderful…they make me feel so good, especially in the winter.”
Long-time Jewish community builder and Lodge resident Morris Schachnow feels very grateful and says, “My experience with the Auxiliary is that they do a lot for the Lodge. In contrast, a resident who came here from Toronto with experience in a Toronto home said that they did not have the same kind of support that our Auxiliary gives to this Lodge. They ask their residents to come up with additional funds to pay for things. We are fortunate to have the Auxiliary and the Foundation to help with the many things the Lodge needs. I have nothing but good things to say.”
Passion and Purpose: What Drives Women to the Auxiliary?
Auxiliary President Fran Ross explains. “Auxiliary members are all volunteers who want to have a positive effect on the lives of residents. Their dedication, enthusiasm and creativity keeps us energized and forward thinking. We all know that provincial funding is never sufficient, so we canvass the whole community to raise money needed for the many important projects we fund.
It is a calling more than a charity effort as we see the residents as an extension of our own family, of our mothers and fathers. My Mother, Helen Fleming, spent two excellent years at the Lodge and that motivated me to become involved in the Auxiliary. We love to participate in various Lodge activities and listen to the feedback from residents and staff to find out how we can make an even bigger impact.”
The Inspiring Commitment of Auxiliary Women
Long-time Auxiliary member Monica Stein explains what it means to her. “From the moment I was invited to join the Auxiliary of Hillel Lodge in 2007, I knew I was entering something truly special. The devotion of the “sisters of the Auxiliary” was an eye-opener—this incredible team puts their heart into everything they do. I quickly saw how our fundraising efforts were always tied to meaningful actions that directly benefited the residents.
My connection to the Lodge is also deeply personal. My beloved Mother-in-Law, Rose Stein, was a resident at Hillel Lodge for many years. She used to say, “If you need care, Hillel Lodge is the place to be!”, and I’ve seen firsthand how true that is. One of the most humbling moments of my journey was receiving the Hillel Lodge Thelma Steinman Direct Service Award in 2020, recognizing my hands-on involvement with the residents. It’s a privilege to give back to a place that has meant so much to my family and to be part of a team that leads with love, compassion, and purpose.”
Former Auxiliary President Shelley Goldenberg got involved when her late father was a resident. “I saw firsthand the compassionate and friendly care that he and all residents received daily in their new home. It became my commitment to work to enrich the lives of all residents of Hillel Lodge.
Raising funds through our yearly Telethon and Great Games Event gives our residents the extras that would otherwise not be available. In recent years we have funded a number of projects including a team of volunteers who crocheted lap blankets for mothers’ and fathers’ days. What better way to honour your mother and father!!
I served as Telethon Chairwoman for four years, VP for two years, President for three years and now help coordinate the GGE and purchase of Mah Jongg cards. I was humbled to receive the Thelma Steinman Award for outstanding volunteering in 2021-2022. The residents and their well-being remain our focus today.”
Former Auxiliary President Naomi Lipsky-Cracower and her husband were warmly welcomed by Dora Litwack and husband when they first arrived in Ottawa in 1972. Naomi recalls, “My first Auxiliary experience (then on Wurtemburg) was witnessing the members enthusiastically planning the still-existing fundraising Telethon. What really impacted me that afternoon was meeting with the residents and seeing the pleasure they derived from our interaction while we served them apple juice and cookies where they congregated in the lobby. 45 years later I’m thankful for my continued involvement in the state-of-the-art long term care facility, Hillel Lodge.”
Embracing the Future: Welcoming a New Generation of Members
Several new volunteers joined the Auxiliary in the past year. Gina Grant and Deborah Sussman-Silverman, Marcia Cantor, as well as Linda Laks and Sylvia Aikens, are all learning the ropes. Gina is the new Treasurer after Carolyn Katz handed her the reins.
As the older generation retires it is essential that younger women bring fresh ideas, energy and caring to the Auxiliary to ensure it is self-sustaining, and continues meeting the needs of future Lodge residents. If you or anyone you know would like to become a member of the Auxiliary of Hillel Lodge, email President Fran Ross at franross10@gmail.com or Vice-President Roz Fremeth at rfremeth@rogers.com. We would love for you to join us!
The Auxiliary wishes to thank the staff of the Lodge in particular, Ted Cohen, the CEO, Marilyn Adler, Life Enrichment Manager, Leslie Sher, Foundation Executive Director, Nicki Usher, Nathalie Gelineau, Sarah Legendre, and the administrative staff for their ever-welcoming and professional interactions.
As Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”