CMDA Calgary Chapter is celebrating its annual gala on May 29

CMDA Western Region Director Sharon Fraiman sat down with Fanny Wedro to discuss the importance of Canadian Magen David Adom.

(AJNews) – At 94 years young, Calgary resident, Fanny Wedro, is as active and outspoken as someone half her age. A Holocaust survivor, Fanny is a passionate advocate for and supporter of Canadian Magen David Adom (CMDA), which is celebrating its annual gala in Calgary on May 29 at the newly renovated main ballroon of the Carriage House Inn.

CMDA Western Region Director, Sharon Fraiman, met with Fanny to talk about the importance of Magen David Adom and its lifesaving work.

S: Fanny, how important is Magen David Adom to the people of Israel?

F: How could Israel survive without it?  Magen David Adom is always first on the site of an accident, of an emergency. Magen David Adom is a necessity.  It responds to the needs of the country.  I have seen it many times.  If an ambulance can’t make it through the crowded streets, an emergency medi-scooter can.  The paramedic is able to treat the patient, often saving a life, until the ambulance arrives.

 

S: MDA depends on the support of donors.

F: Yes.  MDA is not supported by the Israeli government. It depends on the generosity of donors which is why I believe so strongly in its mission.

 

S:  Do you feel that people know about Magen David Adom?

F:  Not enough people are aware of MDA and what it does. I first learned about MDA in 2006 during the war with Lebanon. I was watching the news and saw a building on fire in Israel.  An MDA ambulance was quickly on the scene but, unfortunately, it was destroyed.

My friends and I felt we had to do everything possible to replace that ambulance.  Within a month, we had received enough donations to do just that.  The Calgary community has been very supportive, having donated ambulances, emergency medical scooters, incubators, and essential medical equipment and supplies.

 

S: At 94, do you feel that it is important to continue your efforts on behalf of MDA?

F: At my age, I do what I can.  Magen David Adom saves lives – every day when every second is critical.   I thank Magen David Adom, its paramedics and first responders.  I thank all those who support the lifesaving efforts of MDA and I encourage others to do the same.

 

S:  On behalf of Canadian Magen David Adom, thank you, Fanny, for your continued support and generosity.

The Calgary Chapter of Canadian Magen David Adom is celebrating its Annual Gala on May 29, 2022 at the Carriage House Inn. It is going to be an engaging and enjoyable event for a wonderful cause, Israel’s national ambulance, blood services and disaster relief organization.

Special guest speaker will be Dr. Shafir Botner, Director of Magen David Adom’s Paramedic School. Dr. Botner has been a veteran MDA paramedic for nearly 20 years. He is one of only a handful of first responders serving in MDA’s Helicopter Service. Dr. Botner oversees a comprehensive program that trains more than 90,000 people annually, including members of the general public, institutions, physicians and nurses, as well as MDA first responders.

The gala will also feature Rabbi Russel Jayne, spiritual leader of the Calgary Beth Tzedec Congregation, as well as guest speaker Chief Lee Crowchild, a third generation Chief of Tsuu’tina. Chief Crowchild is a passionate advocate for the environment and sustainable energy practices and he led the charge to protect the water that runs through his nation and on into Calgary.

A special performance by jazz and swing singer Barry Shaw will be another highlight of the gala. Barry performs across Canada and the USA at variety of venues and special events. He has performed before two American Presidents and three Canadian Prim Ministers. His reputation as a world class jazz and swing vocalist with his ability to connect with an audience is legendary.

The reception will include interludes by violinist Steven Klevsky.

This is going to be an exceptional evening. “Help us save lives in Israel,” says event chair Leonard Shapiro.  A full kosher meal will be served and COVID safety measures will be observed. For tickets and information, contact sfraiman@cmdai.org or call 587.435.5808.

 

Be the first to comment on "CMDA Calgary Chapter is celebrating its annual gala on May 29"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*