CHW Memories Project
Sandy Martin Rebranding 2005-2008
In October 2013, CHW Ottawa launched the “Memories Project,” a historical look into the foundation that made their Centre what it is today. The project was so inspiring that it led to an entire series of articles in the ORAH, leading up to this final installment, just in time to celebrate CHW’s Centennial year. Sandy Martin grew up believing in Israel. Her mother was an active member of CHW Calgary, and her grandmother was a member of the first women’s Zionist chapter in Montreal. Sandy was raised on a healthy diet of community, family, and volunteerism; setting her up for a future of dedicated activism. After majoring in Social Work and minoring in Psychology at San Jose State University in California, Sandy worked at a counseling centre. She loves helping people, and has always searched for ways to actively give back to the community. She soon moved to Vancouver to be closer to home and started the Machar Chapter. She found CHW to be a kind of extended family, nurturing growth and providing opportunities to enact change. After she married her husband, Larry Martin, and moved home to Calgary to start a family, she remained dedicated to CHW. In 2005, Sandy became CHW’s 19th National President, following her time spent as National Vice-President. She began her volunteer career with Canadian Hadassah-WIZO more than three decades ago, and ever since has assumed an impressive range of offices, including Chair of Major Gifts, Programming, and Fundraising. She was also Vice-President and then President of CHW Calgary Centre. 58
Children
Healthcare Summer 2017 ORAH Magazine Women
During Sandy’s term as National President, two important fundraising programs were established: Sustainers and Woman of Valour. The goal of the Sustainers program was to generate a perpetual giving program the organization could rely on. The Woman of Valour program recognizes major gifts in support of CHW’s ongoing commitment to WIZO projects. Also during Sandy’s presidency, Canadian Hadassah-WIZO was rebranded as CHW, introducing Children, Healthcare, and Women as an alternative meaning for the CHW acronym. This change, along with the relaunch of the website and ORAH magazine, helped modernize the organization as we know it today. At the end of her term as National President, Sandy was honoured with the naming of the Sandy Martin Alberta Daycare Centre in Ramat Hasharon. This, along with the many ways Sandy is still involved with CHW projects, is a continuation of her commitment to Israel and CHW. “My connection with and love for people has always been the foundation of all that I have done,” said Sandy. “CHW has allowed me to continually be engaged through the interaction with other women and our valuable work for children, healthcare, and women. In turn, I have benefited immensely, in the nourishment of my mind, body, and soul!”