Written by Nathalie Gelineau, Communications Lead, Hillel Lodge
Each year, the Board of Directors of Hillel Lodge proudly presents special awards to individuals and groups who have made significant contributions. The 2024/25 award winners were celebrated and honored at our 70th Annual General Meeting on May 27th, 2025.
SHALOM PEREL PRESIDENT’S AWARD OF MERIT
The Shalom Perel President’s Award of Merit is given annually to recognize an individual who works diligently, often behind the scenes, to benefit the Lodge and its residents. The recipient is someone who makes an outstanding contribution to Hillel Lodge.
This president’s award of merit is named in honour of Shalom Perel, of blessed memory. Mr. Perel was born in Russia and when he was 8 years old, he along with his parents and 3 siblings immigrated to Montreal. In his 20’s he moved to Ottawa and attended the University of Ottawa. Subsequently, he found employment in the federal government as a statistician where he worked until his retirement. He was a quiet unassuming gentleman who enjoyed reading as well as classical music. Mr. Perel moved to Hillel lodge in October 1997. He passed away in July 1998. To show his appreciation for the care and attention he received at the lodge, he endowed the Lodge with almost the entirety of his considerable estate. This magnificent gift was accompanied by Shalom Perel’s desire to make things better for the residents who lived at Hillel Lodge.
Recipient of the Shalom Perel President’s Award of Merit: James Farrow
The Nominating Committee proudly awards James Farrow the Shalom Perel President’s Award of Merit for 2024/25. Jim served as the President of the Lodge from 2020 to 2022 and remained actively engaged as a Board member and Immediate Past President for two additional years.
After retiring as a distinguished architect, Jim joined the Board in 2016, quickly making a significant impact. He rose from Second Vice President to First Vice President and began his presidency during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifying calm, steady, and compassionate leadership. His presence was reassuring as he provided clear guidance and unwavering support, attending urgent virtual meetings and volunteering on-site to demonstrate the Board's commitment to staff and residents. In the later stages of the pandemic, he valued the opportunity to volunteer by serving snacks to residents, deepening his understanding of their needs and the challenges faced by the staff.
Beyond crisis management, Jim's leadership has profoundly influenced Hillel Lodge’s physical and strategic infrastructure, particularly through his pivotal role in the HVAC replacement project, ensuring safety and comfort for all. His efforts in implementing crucial infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to heating and air conditioning systems, have ensured the ongoing safety and health of residents.
He was instrumental in recruiting the current CEO, Ted Cohen, whose leadership has been vital. Additionally, Jim contributed to strategic planning efforts that clarified the governance roles of Board members, preparing future boards for their responsibilities.
James Farrow is a leader who acts not for recognition, but from a profound sense of responsibility and care for others. His legacy at Hillel Lodge is characterized by compassion, integrity, and dedicated service.
THELMA STEINMAN DIRECT SERVICE AWARD
This award is named after Thelma Steinman, of blessed memory, who was held in the highest esteem by our residents, staff and board members for her ability to give of herself and do the utmost to help others. As everyone who knew her can attest, she was a woman who exhibited tremendous warmth, energy, compassion and a marvellous sense of humour. Her ability to relate to people and to make them seem so special was especially evidenced in her interaction with the residents of Hillel Lodge.
The Thelma Steinman Direct Service Award is given in honour of an individual who interacts directly with the residents in order to improve their quality of life -- a person who as a result of his/her direct efforts makes a significant difference.
Joint Recipients of the Thelma Steinman Direct Service Award: Wesley and Elayne Schacter
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that Wesley and Elayne Schacter are the joint recipients of the Thelma Steinman Direct Service Award for 2024/25. Elayne began her involvement with the Lodge 15 years ago by assisting her friend Mark Spergel with the Monday Evening Bingo. After Mark moved away, Elayne and Wes took on the responsibility of running the Bingo program, a role they have maintained ever since, with volunteers Joel Diener and Barbara Levinson participating on alternating weeks.
Elayne and Wes have consistently expressed how much joy they find in running Bingo, recognizing its importance for residents' socialization and engagement. Their commitment has fostered continuity and provided enjoyable evening programs, allowing them to build meaningful relationships with the residents who regularly attend.
In recognition of their long-standing and steadfast dedication to the Lodge, the Nominating Committee proudly awards Elayne and Wesley Schachter this honor
THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
The Outstanding Service Award is presented periodically to a group for outstanding service to Hillel Lodge. Recipients have included community groups, non-profit and for-profit companies and organizations that have made a significant contribution to Hillel Lodge and its residents.
Recipients of the Outstanding Service Award: The Poirier Group
The Poirier Group (TPG), under the expert guidance of Dale Schattenkirk, has played a transformative role in establishing Hillel Lodge as a center of excellence for Lean Six Sigma quality in Ontario's long-term care sector. Lean Six Sigma combines principles focused on identifying and solving problems in business processes, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Dale has generously dedicated his time, expertise, and TPG's resources to enhance the Lodge's internal capacity for continuous improvement. His commitment extends beyond a traditional consulting relationship; he has become a trusted advisor and partner, empowering the leadership team to drive change from within. His efforts have laid a solid foundation for a quality program that is both rigorous and data-driven, aligning seamlessly with Hillel Lodge's mission to provide exceptional care to its residents.
Through TPG's involvement, Hillel Lodge has launched a comprehensive Lean Six Sigma training initiative, equipping the management team with the tools and mindset necessary to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and drive sustainable improvements across the organization. This cultural shift encourages curiosity, fosters accountability, and supports innovation at every level.
For these reasons, the Nominating Committee proudly honors The Poirier Group with this recognition. Their generosity, leadership, and unwavering belief in our potential have already made a lasting impact on the Lodge over the past year. By investing in our people and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, TPG and Dale Schattenkirk have positioned Hillel Lodge on a path to becoming a model of quality and innovation in long-term care. It is only fitting that we celebrate their exceptional contributions as recipients of the Outstanding Service Award.
SARAH LITHWICK GREEN AWARD
Sarah Lithwick Green was a true pioneer whose legacy of compassion, advocacy, and service continues to inspire us all. The Sarah Lithwick Green Award honors her remarkable contributions by recognizing a young individual who embodies her spirit of leadership and civic engagement. The recipient of this annual award reflects the values that Sarah Lithwick Green instilled in her community, serving as a testament to her enduring influence.
Recipient of the Sarah Lithwick Green Award: Tehila Shapiro
Tehila Shapiro has been selected as the recipient of the 2024/25 Sarah Lithwick Green Award for her heartfelt essay, which beautifully illustrates the profound and lasting impact of intergenerational relationships on both young people and the elderly. Through her early visits to Hillel Lodge, her close bond with her Bubby, and her participation in the L’dor Vador intergenerational program, Tehila has demonstrated deep empathy, compassion, and a commitment to kindness. She exemplifies the values of respect, leadership, and care for others—especially our elders—making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.