“When each of our grandchildren was born, we wanted to give them a gift — but not just any gift. We wanted to pass on our values: the values of tzedakah, of caring for one another, and of sustaining Jewish life for generations to come.”

With those heartfelt words, Sharon Appotive introduced the new Grandparents Legacy Initiative last week at the Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation’s Annual General Meeting — an initiative she and her husband David Appotive helped create to bridge generations and inspire lifelong giving.

Their vision — and the energy in the room — perfectly captured the spirit of this year’s AGM: an evening focused on building connections, celebrating leadership, and strengthening the future of Jewish Ottawa.

While the AGM also marked several new beginnings — including the transition of Board Chair from Sandy Pollack to Erin Zipes, and the introduction of new funds — the launch of the Grandparents Legacy Initiative was among the most inspiring moments of the night.

More than a philanthropic program, the initiative is a personal vision rooted in love, tradition, and belonging. With the support of the Foundation, it enables grandparents to open a matched philanthropic fund in their grandchild’s name. Contributions can be made on special occasions — birthdays, b’nai mitzvahs, graduations — with each gift matched by the Foundation.

But as Sharon emphasized, this is about far more than dollars. “It’s not just about money; it’s about connection,” she said. Every year, on their birthday, the grandchild receives a personalized card from the Foundation — a reminder of the love and legacy being built in their name.

The most powerful moment comes when the grandchild turns 18. At that point, they assume responsibility for deciding how the fund’s annual disbursement is used. In this way, the initiative fosters a conversation across generations about giving, responsibility, and the values that sustain Jewish community life.

“This isn’t just a gift for our grandchildren — it’s a gift with them,” Sharon told the audience. “It teaches, empowers, and connects. It says: you matter. You belong. Your role in Jewish Ottawa’s future is real.”

The evening also celebrated this year’s grant and scholarship recipients, including Yulia Elgin, Samuel Benzaquen, and the Hillel Lodge Long-Term Care Foundation, among others — all recognized for their impact in the community.

With heartfelt thanks to the Foundation team — particularly Director Michael Reznick for his dedication, and President and CEO Adam Silver for his leadership — Sharon and David expressed hope that their initiative will inspire others to create their own legacies of giving.

“In times like these, when the world feels uncertain,” Sharon said, “it’s our connections — to each other, to our families, and to our shared values — that give us strength.”

The Grandparents Legacy Initiative is an invitation to build something lasting, together — one generation at a time.

To learn more about this initiative, click here or contact Michael Reznick at mreznick@JewishOttawa.com