From Canada with Sew Much to Give

Winter in Toronto, Canada, and every year for the last 10 years Anita Budman, an 80 year old retiree, has turned up in Netanya to give two months of her time as a volunteer.

The first time she came was with the Hadassah WIN program where she volunteered her help in the sewing centers in Netanya.

On her second visit the following year, she found a room to rent, contacted ESRA's Nina Zuck and has been coming to Netanya ever since to help Varda Mendelson, the teacher, in our three sewing centers set up for the Ethiopian community.

Anita has never been a professional seamstress - in fact sewing for her is only a hobby, and yet she has a talent for patching up "mistakes" that appear in the clothing the ladies sew at the center and for giving every piece of work the perfect "finished" look.

She has no knowledge of Hebrew, but with her infinite patience she manages to both instruct and encourage the Ethiopian women and has established a wonderful relationship with them. 

And after hours? Anita has made many friends in Netanya over the years and enjoys the multiple activities that are available to the English speakers there.

It's a long journey from Canada to Israel, but Anita is determined to continue coming each year. We, at the sewing centers, truly appreciate her dedication and support.