Giving back to community has been a lifelong value for me. It is an honour and a privilege for me to fulfill that value by supporting causes near and dear to me.

Over the years I have enjoyed an active volunteer life with UJA Federation, Kolel, Mount Sinai Hospital, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, The Jerusalem Foundation, the Elizabeth Fry Society and other organizations. I am so proud to be a member of this vibrant community.

My earliest recollection with community was as a very young child helping at the annual Hadassah Bazaar with my mother who volunteered each year. Later as a teenager and young adult I volunteered with many organizations within both the Jewish and secular communities.

Jewish community became increasingly important to me as I started to raise my own family. As well, each visit to Israel strengthened and focused my commitment to our people. I began to more fully appreciate the importance of building a secure foundation for the next generation. Since no one can know what the future holds, I believe it is very important that each one of us do what we can today to ensure a strong Jewish community for future generations.

Endowment is one of the best ways to do that. My gift and involvement with the Lion of Judah Endowment, in particular, is something close to my heart. There are so many ways — large and small — that one can create endowments. Unlike any other, these gifts truly keep giving.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to share these values with my wonderful family: including my husband Allan Offman, my three children Lowell, Ryan and Jared Binstock; and my children and grandchildren through marriage, Jill Offman, Daniel Richler, and Poppy Richler; Craig Offman, Randi Roseand Eli and Noa Offman. Family, community and continuity center me. From them I getback so much more than I give.