ESRA co vice chair Phyllis Bloch with ESRA Chairperson Richard Stein

ESRA co vice chair Adele Hunter with Motti Weiner

ANNUAL SHOP VOLUNTEERS AWARD PARTY
held on Monday 23^rd February at Beit Fisher.

Around 80 volunteers and friends were in attendance together with Richard Stein, ESRA Chairman, Phyllis Bloch and Adele Hunter, Co-Vice Chairpersons, and Josie Shlain from the ESRA Executive Committee.

MC for the proceedings was Motti Weiner who welcomed everyone and thanked all the volunteers who contributed to the evening's preparations.

Some of the award winners

Motti presenting the award to Ruth Anne

Barry Samuels

Joyce Jospeh

Kallie Plehn

Phyllis Gork accepting the award on behalf of her mother Sonia Kacev

Photographs taken by
Freda Lanesman

Motti then performed a hilarious skit on what goes on in the shop. He came dressed in a smart jacket, charcoal trousers, a white shirt and tie, black shoes - he told everyone that he bought the outfit for 50 shekels at the shop instead of 90 shekels and he suggested that the audience encourage their friends to shop at the ESRA shop - "You too can be well dressed for very little". One of the volunteers in the audience quipped, "If you'd have bought it from me, I'd have made you pay 90 shekels!"

Our ESRA chairman Richard Stein enjoying Motti's speech

The awards were presented to the 7 awardees, with a special award to Ruthann Fields who was a volunteer for 3 years and is now on the ESRA staff - she received an honourarian. Motti gave a glowing report on the work Ruthann did for the past 8 ½ years.

The last award was to Barry Samuels who turned 90 - a special Birthday cake was presented to him and everybody wished him many more years in good health - Barry has been a volunteer cashier for 7 years.

Ruthann replied on behalf of the awardees. The meeting ended with tables laden with food and wine - a good time was held by all.

Helene Halle
For your dedication and willingness to always be available to help in the ESRA Nearly New Shop over many years and for never missing a week.  You are truly one of our staunchest volunteers and your advice and suggestions are always welcome

Alfred Huisman
In recognition of your willingness to give time, on a regular basis over the last seven years, to the ESRA Nearly New Shop and a special thanks for doing two shifts every Sunday. Your efforts are much appreciated 

Joyce Joseph
For your loyalty and volunteering in the ESRA Nearly New Shop - you never miss a week even though you travel a long way.  You are always pleasant to the customers and your dedication is much appreciated

Sonia Kacev
For working in the ESRA Nearly New Shop for over 7 years and for always being a most dependable and devoted volunteer as well as an outstanding cashier

Kalie Plehn 
For being a staunch, reliable and dependable volunteer in the ESRA Nearly New Shop.  Twice a week, in the afternoons, you are in charge, never letting us down and always with a smile.  Your help is much valued

Barry Samuels
In recognition of being a superb cashier, and the oldest volunteer in the ESRA Nearly New Shop.   Your commitment to helping us regularly every week is appreciated

Special Award to Gideon Noah
For never missing a morning at the ESRA Nearly New Shop and for arriving at 7.45 a.m. to help check all mechanical and electrical items.  You meet every request with a smile – we are indebted to you for your advice and help

Ruth Anne Fields
For being a loyal and dutiful worker for over eight years in the ESRA Nearly New Shop.  You are loved by customers and volunteers alike,  who  appreciate your pleasant and even temperament

Fran Freedman
For being a conscientious and dedicated worker for more than six years in the ESRA Nearly New Shop.  Your commitment is much appreciated