The 2023-2024 Combined Jewish Appeal Campaign raised $6,434,690 from 1,648 dedicated donors.

We achieved a 92.4% donor retention rate and welcomed 100 new donors.

Additionally, 673 donors increased their contributions compared to their 2022 donation amounts.

Since October 7, 2023, the Federation's Israel Emergency Fund raised $4,234,230, providing critical aid and support to Israel during this crisis.

Throughout the year, new data from the 2021 National Household Survey, prepared specifically for the Winnipeg Jewish community by a demographer, was delivered to community leaders. In 2024, this data-informed presentation to the Simkin Centre and the Jewish Child and Family Service provided crucial insights for strategic planning. Such information enables our community organizations to address current needs and plan effectively for the future.

The Allocations Committee spent much of the year conducting site visits to see first-hand how our beneficiary organizations support the community. In March, we received applications from eleven beneficiaries and increased the amount disbursed by $63,400 compared to last year. Changes to the allocation application process were well received by the organizations, which also provided final reports for the first time on the impact of the Federation’s funding.

The Community Planning Committee continued aligning its efforts with the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg's renewed mission, developed in the 2023 Strategic Plan. This year, the J-EDI and Accessibility and Inclusion subcommittees hosted programs addressing Truth and Reconciliation and promoting inclusivity, ensuring these critical topics remain at the forefront of our community dialogue.

To better understand the experiences of Jewish high school students during these challenging times, a High School Student Survey was distributed with the assistance of the Jewish Child and Family Service’s Youth Mental Health Worker. The survey garnered responses from 5% of Jewish high school students in Winnipeg. Findings revealed that while students enjoy participating in Jewish activities, many have faced antisemitic bullying both in person and online.

Shalom Baby joyfully welcomed 54 new babies and their families during our bi-annual Shalom Baby Shower, fostering community and connection for young families.

28 hosts organized Shabbat dinners, attracting 350 participants as part of the Shabbat of Love initiative, supported by JFNA and JFW. The initiative offered microgrants and additional resources, resulting in various gatherings, from home dinners to a Vegetarian Shabbat Potluck and a unique Shabbat experience at a Jewish-owned bakery.

In celebration of Winnipeg's 150th anniversary, we commemorated 40 years of sisterhood with Be'er Sheva at Sister City Day at The Forks. Hundreds visited our booth to explore Be'er Sheva's landmarks, enjoy Israeli snacks, and create a sand craft inspired by the Negev desert's colours.

Holiday tables set up at campus and stores for Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Passover provided essential information on celebrations and traditions. Attendees enjoyed recipes and craft ideas and participated in raffle draws for exciting prizes.

We promoted J-Ed (Jewish education) opportunities in Winnipeg through quarterly campaigns, sharing offerings from Jewish organizations for adults in the community, and helping to strengthen Jewish learning.

The Shabbat Across Winnipeg national initiative brought people together to celebrate Shabbat with communal dinners on a designated Friday. Nearly 200 participants joined Shabbat dinners hosted by three organizations across the city.

1277 families participated in over 40 programs and initiatives offered by PJ Library, including holiday programs, Storytime, Mitzvah events, and more. These engaging offerings fostered community and helped families connect with Jewish traditions and values.

Each month, 905 children and their families receive PJ Library and PJ Our Way books, bringing Jewish stories and values directly into homes and enriching family life.

130 PJ Our Way tweens participated in dynamic programs throughout the year, including celebrating Chanukah with Massad Winter Camp, a photography class at The Leaf, creating Purim gift baskets for Gwen Secter, and celebrating Sukkot with BB Camp while learning medicine wheel teachings from an Indigenous Elder. Each program was met with enthusiasm, often with waiting lists!

PJ Library Winnipeg reached a significant milestone by delivering its 100,000th book to a local family. Since its inception in 2009, PJ Library has been sending free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture and hosting various programs that bring families together. The milestone was celebrated with a heartwarming video, capturing the moment the 100,000th book was delivered surprise-style at the family’s doorstep.

The Get Together program, which supports families in hosting Jewish-themed gatherings, saw 181 families—27% of all eligible participants—hosting events such as Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and social get-togethers with a Jewish touch, strengthening community bonds.

A dozen families participated in the second annual PJ Library Pride Block Party, which celebrated the diversity and inclusion of all families in our community and facilitated a welcoming environment.

Through GrowWinnipeg, 81 individuals and 46 families received valuable guidance, support, and connections as they explored Winnipeg and its Jewish community, helping them navigate their journey toward permanent residency.

As part of a successful recruitment campaign, 70 new volunteers joined GrowWinnipeg's already diverse group of 250 volunteers, including an increase in those born and raised in Winnipeg. These volunteers continue to demonstrate their commitment to welcoming newcomers.

270 community members contributed their time and expertise by hosting and meeting with exploratory visitors, acting as ambassadors for Winnipeg's vibrant Jewish community. Their efforts play a crucial role in making Winnipeg feel like home for newcomers and highlighting the warmth and generosity of our community.

GrowWinnipeg launched a new logo and enhanced its online presence through Facebook and Instagram accounts. These platforms have become key tools for sharing success stories and connecting with the wider community.

In May, a diverse interfaith group joined the Hineni Mission to Israel, organized by the Federation, Bridges for Peace, and JNF. Jewish, Christian and Indigenous participants showed solidarity with Israelis through service and acts of kindness, including harvesting produce, hosting a BBQ for soldiers, and celebrating Shabbat at the Western Wall. The mission highlighted the power of interfaith collaboration and deepened participants' understanding of Israel’s resilience after October 7.

Supported students at Tel-Hai University, furthering their education through bursaries and scholarships.

In January, our community hosted 13 young Israeli hockey players from the Metulla Hockey Club, displaced by the ongoing conflict in Israel. These talented athletes, facing significant challenges due to the war, were welcomed with warmth and hospitality. During their stay, they found a brief respite from the hardships of living with war, experiencing the support and care of our community.

Danziger High School students, their principal, teachers, and athletes were forced to extend their stay in Winnipeg for an additional week due to the events of October 7. Organized by Gray Academy and supported by the Federation, the group of 12 athletes, two teachers, and one principal attended a community rally, where the principal had the opportunity to present.

Hillel Winnipeg's programming this year featured a diverse range of events, including a Welcome Back BBQ, Sufganiyot and pre-Hanukkah celebration, billiards night, a basketball tournament, and a Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration. Notably, Shabbat Unplugged saw significant growth, drawing over 110 participants, including students from Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa.

In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks in Israel, Hillel Winnipeg provided students with space to grieve, reflect, learn, and connect with the community, a support system that continued throughout the school year. Notable initiatives included a student vigil with Hillels nationwide, Challah for Healing and Messages for Hope, an educational session on navigating social media during wartime, An Evening with Shye Klein, and a community commemoration.

In October 2023, Genesis and Hillel partnered for the community-wide event, "Write for Hope: Messages to the Front Lines." The initiative included over 40 letters from 7th graders at Henry G. Izatt Middle School in Whyte Ridge, which were scanned and sent to two military bases, with the original copies delivered to Israel by the Danziger High School delegation in Kiryat Shmona.

During the 2023-2024 year, Genesis YWG hosted a series of events and volunteer activities, engaging over 250 members of the Winnipeg Jewish community.