Canadian Friends of Shalva

02/05/2026

Gather your Girlfriends. Bring your Games. Play for Hope!

Swipe through last year’s Ladies Game Night—an uplifting, positive evening filled with laughter, friendly competition, and women power coming together for a greater cause.

Join us: Monday, May 11, 2026 | 6:30–9:30 PM
Beth Sholom Synagogue (1445 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto)
Tickets: $125

Expect a variety of games, sips & bites, and exciting auction items—all while raising funds for Shalva.

Mahjong-curious or need a refresher? Lessons are available for purchase.

Register: https://shalvacanada.org/gamenight | (647) 508-9040

11/21/2025

Watch Eddy and Pete run for Shalva.
This year it could be YOU! 🏃‍♂️💛

Join Team Shalva at the Tel Aviv Marathon — Feb 27, 2026.

Run with purpose. Run for inclusion.
Link in bio to join the team.

11/13/2025

The countdown is on! 💙🏖🏃🏻‍♀️🌞

This February, Tel Aviv’s streets will come alive, pounding with music, energy, and the pride of a nation that runs together.
Join Team Shalva for the Tel Aviv Marathon, the most meaningful marathon of the year.
Run for inclusion. Run for Israel. Run for and with thousands of children and adults with disabilities who inspire us every day.
Every stride you take lifts spirits, raises hope, and shows the world what unity looks like.

Ready to run with purpose?
Count me in!
👇🏻👇🏻
www.run4shalva.org

11/07/2025

Reflecting on Shalva Canada's Luminary Gala: A Night of Celebration and Possibility ✨

This week's Shalva Luminary Gala in Toronto, graciously co-chaired by Ronnie Strasser and Trevor Hunt, was a moving celebration of inclusion, hope, and community. Together, we shone a bright light on the boundless potential within every individual and the power of coming together for a cause that unites us all.

The evening opened with the anthems, beautifully sung by Cantor Noam Goodman, followed by words of gratitude from Shalva Canada's President, Aleta Shiff. Mark Ross joined Trevor Hunt in welcoming guests with remarks that set an inspiring tone for the night.

Violinist Adrian Anantawan, accompanied by pianist Jeanie Chung, gave a breathtaking performance that touched every heart in the room. His reflections reminded us that disability is part of the human experience, underscoring why Shalva’s mission matters so deeply in building a more inclusive world.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our Luminary Award recipients, Liv Mendelsohn and Alley Dezenhouse, whose leadership and compassion embody Shalva’s values of empathy, inclusion, and possibility.

It was an honour to welcome Shalva Israel's leadership - Founder and President Kalman Samuels, Chief Executive Officer Yochanan Samuels, and Deputy Director Itamar Shevach—who joined us from Israel for one of the evening’s highlights: a thoughtful fireside chat moderated by Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Gross.

Deep thanks to Shalva Canada's remarkable leadership, volunteers, and vendors who made the evening unforgettable. You are part of the Shalva family, and we are so grateful for your kindness and dedication.

The spirit of the night continues to inspire new connections and momentum for Shalva’s vital work. With the support of our friends and partners, Shalva’s reach will keep growing—touching lives and strengthening communities across the globe.

📷 Explore the full gallery and feel free to download & tag:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F5VGHsd27/

11/07/2025

11/07/2025

10/16/2025

Today, on Israel’s National Day of Remembrance for the October 7th massacres and the Iron Swords War, we carry in our hearts the memory and the light of those we lost.

Within our Shalva family, we pause to honor and remember our loved ones, siblings of participants, volunteers, and family members who were an inseparable part of the Center:

Yvonne Rubio z”l, sister of a Shalva participant, murdered at Nova
Sgt. Eliahu Moshe Zimblist z”l, brother of a Shalva participant
Sgt. Ma’oz Morel z”l, devoted volunteer in our Afternoon Program
Capt. Kfir Franco z”l, devoted volunteer in our Afternoon Program
Sgt. Ilay Tzair z”l, devoted volunteer in our Afternoon Program
MSgt. Nadav Elhanan Noller z”l, brother of Ortal, coordinator of our Respite Program
SSgt. Uriya Yaakov z”l, brother of Avia, National Service volunteer in the Afternoon Program
Sgt. Rif Haroush z”l, son of Avi, a Team Shalva runner
MSgt. Eilon Weiss z”l, father of Yehonatan Weiss, volunteer in our Adults division
MSgt. Shlomo Aviad Neiman z”l, cousin of Tzofia from the “Me & My Mommy” Program
SSgt. Elishiv Eitan Wider z”l, brother of Shira, a social worker at Shalva

Forever in our hearts.
🕯️ May their memories be a blessing. 🕯️

10/09/2025

We are honoured to present this year’s incredible Luminary Award Winners whose trailblazing work exemplifies Shalva’s mission to empower people with disabilities and their families across Canada.

🌟 Liv Mendelsohn – Luminary Award for Excellence
As Executive Director of the Azrieli Foundation’s Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, Liv has transformed disability inclusion and caregiving advocacy at a national level. Her visionary leadership has launched groundbreaking initiatives like the ReelAbilities Toronto Film Festival and Jewish Disability Advocacy Day, while founding the Wagner-Green Centre for Accessibility and Inclusion. Liv’s decades of coalition-building and policy innovation have reshaped how Canada supports people with disabilities and their caregivers—making communities more inclusive and accessible for all.

🌟 Alley Dezenhouse – Luminary Award for Hope
Founder of Magnificent Minds, Alley has created vital access points for therapy and education, directly impacting hundreds of children and families throughout Ontario. A passionate educator, podcaster, and policy advocate, Alley champions autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive schooling with both heart and rigor. Her work has raised awareness, inspired professionals and families alike, and sparked real change in how society embraces difference—illuminating a hopeful path forward for individuals of all abilities.

Let’s flood this post with applause for Liv and Alley—two visionary leaders making a profound difference every day! Please like, comment, and share to amplify their stories and inspire others to join this vital cause.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate these inspiring champions live on November 5th at Shaarei Shomayim, Toronto, at the Shalva Luminary Gala: Where Ability Shines.

Reserve your seat now—spaces are limited! www.shalvacanada.org

09/26/2025

🚨 Last Chance: Nominations Close today, September 26, 2025!

Who will shine the brightest at Shalva’s Luminary Gala on November 5th in Toronto?

These prestigious awards celebrate fearless changemakers breaking barriers and transforming disability research, inclusion, and advocacy—building a more compassionate and inclusive world.

🌟 Nominate your Luminary NOW — this is it!

👉 www.shalvacanada.org/luminary

09/22/2025

From all of us at Canadian Friends of Shalva, we wish you a New Year overflowing with love, light, and peace. Shana Tova uMetukah!

09/19/2025

We need YOUR creativity to name this year’s signature cocktails, crafted exclusively for Shalva’s Luminary Gala — Where Ability Shines! ✨

Your mission: Give these delicious beauties names that sparkle as much as YOU do! 💖 Created by the talented mixologists at Cocktails & Dreams, here’s what you’re naming:

🍹 Spicy Mango-rita — tequila + jalapeño agave + lime + mango
🌸 Rose Pomegranate Martini — vodka + rose syrup + lemon + pomegranate + egg white

We can’t wait to see the magic pour in. Comment below 👇🏼

L'Chaim! 🥂

Learn more about the gala at shalvacanada.org