CHW CALGARY CENTRE
g n i n Ope Luncheon & GAMES DAY THE CALGARY OPENING LUNCHEON AND GAMES DAY BRINGS OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN SUPPORT OF HEALING, RESILIENCE, AND HOPE IN ISRAEL.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
About CHW
CHW EMPOWERS WOMEN AND CHILDREN BY SUPPORTING EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AND SOCIAL SERVICES ACROSS ISRAEL AND CANADA. WHO WE ARE Founded by visionary Jewish women in 1917, CHW (Canadian Hadassah-WIZO) is a non-political, non-partisan, national network of dedicated volunteers who believe that excellence and the advancement of education, healthcare, and social services transcends politics, religion, and national boundaries. WHAT WE DO We excel at creating impact through our projects and programs in Israel and Canada. We aspire to be recognized as leaders by our members and friends, donors, partners and our beneficiaries in Israel and Canada. WHY WE DO IT We strongly believe that every human being deserves to achieve their full potential, while living in safety and security. HOW WE DO IT Our support of education, innovation in research, advancement in healthcare, safeguarding of social services, and investment in our beneficiaries, will create global impact, improve lives, and provide hope. By providing donors and volunteers with a vehicle to effect meaningful change through their philanthropy, CHW enables its supporters to make the world a better place.
Thank you THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT CHAIR:
Sara Brodsky AND THANK YOU TO THE CHW STAFF: Malka-Deena Lewis, Senior Development Coordinator, Calgary and Western Canada Karen Rustia, Director, Events and Corporate Sponsorship Alina Shpitalnikava, Senior National Event Specialist
Honouring A special highlight of the event will be a tribute to Dorothy Hanson in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication, and many years of service to CHW. We will celebrate her lasting contributions and the significant impact she has made on the Calgary Centre community.
DOROTHY HANSON CHW PAST CALGARY CENTRE PRESIDENT Dorothy Hanson was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. After graduating from American Academy of Dramatic Arts in California, she acquired a BA in psychology from the University of Calgary. Dorothy then moved to Vancouver, BC, where she obtained an executive secretarial diploma, then worked in theatre administration and as a talent agent. Eventually, she and her husband, Sheldon, owned a Belgian chocolate shop in West Point Grey, Vancouver. In 1998, they moved back to Calgary to start a family.
Before taking on the role of CHW Calgary Centre President in April 2021, Dorothy had been involved with CHW for many years. Dorothy’s following in the footsteps of her mother, z”l Lucille Hanson . Lucille served as Treasurer and President of a CHW Calgary Chapter over many years and was an integral part of the annual Hadassah Bazaar. Dorothy also served as CHW National Secretary on the Board of Directors from 20242026. Dorothy is very active in the Calgary Jewish community. She serves as Secretary on the Executive board of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta and she’s a member of the Minyan League at Beth Tzedec synagogue. Dorothy believes that everything we do as an organization should be with reverence to the past; that is what will guide us into CHW’s enduring future. Dorothy hopes her daughter, Davita will one day follow in her footsteps as well.
Biography KAREN ORSER CEO, LUNA CHILD & YOUTH ADVOCACY CENTRE
Karen Orser is a registered Social Worker and the CEO of the Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary and an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University. Karen has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, and has held leadership roles at the YW Calgary and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area. She believes in working at all levels to improve life and support healing for children and youth who have experienced abuse; from continuous improvement and innovation in frontline services, to advocating together with our Partners in Children & Family Services, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Justice, Calgary Police Service, RCMP, and Education for necessary system and policy changes. Karen is a visionary and collaborative leader who is excited by innovation and impact. She truly believes that we will go farther by working together, and is particularly passionate about the CYAC movement in Canada. “I believe that through working together and sharing knowledge and resources, we can reduce duplication, improve and align services, and create a Province and Country where children and youth who have experienced abuse have access to the highest quality, wrap around supports wherever they live.”
In Support of FRANNY’S FUND Proceeds will support Franny’s Fund in Calgary, providing immediate financial support to women, children, and families affected by domestic violence, helping them access vital counselling, legal assistance, and other services through Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and HomeFront. Franny’s Fund was created to provide financial resources for urgent needs of these children/youth and families who have had the courage to report and stop this violence. The early intervention of counselling significantly impacts the success of these participants in the future. Being able to provide caregivers with the resources to support themselves and their children through the process helps to minimize significant trauma down the road.
CALGARY TOY DRIVE The event will also support the CHW Calgary Centre Toy Drive, providing holiday gifts to children in need. Guests are encouraged to bring a new toy to donate.
Event Program WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS Tova Train, CHW National President NATIONAL ANTHEMS O Canada and Hatikvah CHW VIDEO PRESENTATION GREETINGS Nadav Zysblat, Consul General of Israel in Toronto and Western Canada SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTATION Karen Orser, CEO, Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre LUNCH CHW CEO REMARKS Lisa Colt-Kotler, CHW Chief Executive Officer 2026 SANDY MARTIN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP Honouring Dorothy Hanson, Outgoing CHW Calgary Centre President ACCEPTANCE REMARKS Dorothy Hanson CLOSING REMARKS Lisa Colt-Kotler, CHW Chief Executive Officer GAMES AFTERNOON
Raffle Items TICKETS: 1 FOR $20 OR 3 FOR $50 Roberta Gandolfi Bag (Italy) $495.00 Trina Turk Dress - Size 8 $400.00 Oui Dress - Size EUR 38, US 6 $400.00 Sterling Silver Climbing Person Necklace $400.00 Earrings and necklace set $275.00 New Collection - Angela Mara - Coat $185.00 Westside Gym Bag and Gear (Two youth basic guest passes, Two adult basic guest passes, basketball, hot/cold gel pack, puck, water bottle, Westside tote bag) $114.00 Two Wooden Cutting/Serving Boards $40.00 each
Sponsors DIAMOND SPONSORS SHELDON, BENJAMIN AND DAVITA SHAGAL, AND CANDICE & ANNETTE HANSON SILVER SPONSOR ANONYMOUS BRONZE SPONSOR ANONYMOUS
PATRON SPONSORS ANONYMOUS JOY FELDMAN TERRI WEXLER COUNSELLING TREAT SPONSOR
Sponsors MAZEL TOV FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK. WITH SO MUCH APPRECIATION, Jackie Hamborger
Announcing 25TH ANNUAL
TOY DRIVE CHW CALGARY CENTRE
Our toy drive benefits at-risk children, providing holiday gifts for both the Jewish and greater Calgary community. TOY DONATION DEADLINE: December 18, 2026
LEARN MORE:
CHW.CA/TOYS OR CALL: 403-253-4612
SUPPORTING:
CHW.CA/MAHJONGG
Thank You CHW.CA