It's a beautiful thing when the community gives back

After writing a story, specifically covering charitable events, it's always a bit humbling when someone tells the reporter that as a result of their article many people contributed to a charity that will help others.

Usually, in the course of reporting, one doesn't think about the long-term impact of a specific story. It's all about getting the facts, presenting them to the reader in as unbiased a way as possible, and then moving on to the next assignment.

But occasionally, a reporter pauses in his or her tracks when confronted with how their story added some tikkun olam to society.

Last week, I had the honour of being invited to attend the Canadian Friends of Meir Medical Center's annual awards gala in Toronto. After writing an advance story on how this Israeli hospital is in need of funds to complete a children's wing, the organizers of the event contacted me to thank me for the story and tell me that it had led directly to an influx of donations from Canadian donors and philanthropists.

This was terrific news.

But there was another element to this story in The CJN.

The gala organizers also were honouring the Florence family of Toronto with a humanitarian award. Why? Because Dana and Jared Florence have been blessed with miraculous triplets, all of whom have Cerebral Palsy.

Since just after their birth, the Florence children, diagnosed with the impairment to their motor functions, have undergone various surgeries, therapies and protocols to help them progress physically as much as possible. And despite being told not to expect too much by doctors, the Florences have never given up on their children. Quite the opposite. They decided to wage war on CP in the form of their foundation "ThreeToBe".

Having had the pleasure of interviewing Dana and Jared and listening to their story, and having been told by the Canadian Friends of Meir Medical Center executive that my story had brought much-needed funding to their cause as well, I was reminded that one can and does make a difference through their work.

Here's a small video from ThreeToBe's website that tells you all you need to know.

-Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf

Top Purim Stops 2011

This weekend as many of you know we celebrate Purim, eating some Hamantaschen, reading from Megillat Esther and making a lot of noise. What are some of the hot-spots where today's Jewish youth will assemble? Two top events come to mind: The Annex Shul and the Forest Hill Jewish Center will likely get quite the crowd.

At the Annex it all gets underway at 8:30p.m., the event held jointly with Impact Toronto, UJA and Jewish Family & Child. The theme this year - "Heroes and Villains" - dress up as your favorites then party the night away at Revival Bar on College you can buy your tickets online to save $5 or it will be $20 at the door. For more information on the event click here.


Alternatively, for those who have never been to the Forest Hill Jewish Center and need a little extra time Saturday night, their event kicks off at 9 p.m. with the Megillah reading followed by a live band entertaining the partygoers afterwards. This event is free for all those interested, but BYOB.

Wherever you may be getting together be safe and have fun. Happy Purim!