Meet Our Y Board – Part 2

How does a community centre become the centre of the community? It starts with the hard work of a talented group of lay leaders. Take the opportunity meet our board members in our new weekly series featuring these dedicated volunteers.
Aaron Benshabat
Aaron BenshabatDirector

What is your favourite Y memory?

That would be all the great Jewish high school basketball tournaments that were held in the gym!

Why did you join the Y’s board?

I joined the Y’s board to help guide the thinking on how to transition the pivotal role this organization plays in keeping the Jewish community united in a modern, tech-driven world.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would split this between being able to easily learn different languages and playing a musical instrument.

Who are your real life heroes?

Those people that have the ability to commit their lives for the greater good of humanity, not financial gain.

When and/or where were you happiest?

On my 6 month university exchange program in the south of France.

Brian Gelfand
Brian GelfandSecretary

What is your favourite Y memory?

My earliest favorite Y memory is watching my mom teach fitness classes at the Davis Y in Côte-St-Luc, accompanied by a real live piano player.
My most recent favorite Y memory is riding in the Y Cycle with so many other Y fans and fundraisers.

Why did you join the Y’s board?

I value the Y’s role in our community and I appreciate the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to its growth and development.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish that I had a better singing voice!

Who are your real life heroes?

My heroes today are the front line health-care professionals who are getting us through this pandemic, and the researchers who are developing vaccines and treatments.

When and/or where were you happiest?

Sailing and scuba diving – no question. I can’t wait to get back on the water!!

Shari Haimovitz
Shari HaimovitzTreasurer

What is your favourite Y memory?

My favourite Y memory is all encompassing having spent my childhood summers at YCC as a camper and then as staff and building the most amazing inspiring friendships and connections that still remain with me today. My most vivid memory is my Jr. CIT canoe trip; eventful, adventurous, lots of laughter and lots of tears!!

Why did you join the Y’s board?

My journey to the Y board began with joining the YCC Camp Management Committee last year. Now that my kids are YCC campers, it revived my passion and connection to the camp and being on the CMC brought me even closer. Joining the Y board was an opportunity to increase my contribution and expand the value that I can add to the entire Y organization.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I have always wanted to complete a full marathon but it seems my legs don’t have the talent to persevere that distance!

Who are your real life heroes?

My parents who have supported and loved me unconditionally my entire life. They are my best friends and even in my adulthood, their happiness and health comes from seeing their children and grandchildren thrive.

When and/or where were you happiest?

I am at my happiest when I’ve reached the summit of a high mountain that I have climbed. Feeling like you have climbed to the top of the world is so empowering!