At a time when personal computer screens and home dining room tables are serving double duty as impromptu classrooms, our appreciation for Jewish day schools, and the education their dedicated teachers provide, has taken on a new meaning. But having to switch to distance learning is only one of the many ways in which local Jewish day schools have been impacted by COVID-19.

Like many non-profit organizations, the day schools typically hold their annual fundraising events in the spring, all of which have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. Compounding this, many families’ financial resources have been impacted by the pandemic, be it through job losses, reduced work hours or other factors, and they need tuition deferrals. The combination is increasing the strain on the schools.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, each of us can help. Metro Vancouver’s five Jewish day schools – King David High School, Richmond Jewish Day School, Shalhevet Girls High School, Vancouver Hebrew Academy and Vancouver Talmud Torah—are banding together for a special virtual Day of Giving in support of Jewish day school education. This collaborative online fundraising campaign is designed to secure some of the critical funds that would have been raised to help offset operational costs and tuition subsidies.

Research has shown that having a Jewish education is a key predictor of a child’s future involvement in the Jewish community, and Jewish Federation acknowledged its importance by making Jewish education one of our 2020 Strategic Priorities. We direct significant financial support to Jewish day schools through the Annual Campaign, special project funding, and the Jewish Community Foundation. When COVID-19 hit, we quickly met with Jewish school educators to assess their immediate needs, and responded with emergency funding to help them through the first weeks of the pandemic.

The Day of Giving for Day Schools begins on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and continues through Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

To make a donation, simply go to the homepage of one of the participating schools (see above). You can give to the school(s) of your choice or support the spirit of this collective venture by directing your donation to all five schools. The goal is to have as many people participate as possible, regardless of the amount they are able to contribute. All donations will be generously matched, so your gift will have twice the impact.