Deep Roots: Walden & Hoops 4 Israel

If you were part of a pick-up basketball game at Camp Walden during the years of 1994 to 2009 there is a strong likelihood that you have contributed to Hoops 4 Israel based on the tight network that has stemmed from love of the game out of Palmer Rapids, Ontario. For the past 4 years, Sol Birenbaum and Howie Grosinger, have been long-standing sponsors and supporters of this charitable initiative. "The friendships that we made and lessons that we developed to sports were fostered at Walden and amazingly translated into philanthropy for the Toronto Jewish community and Israel, years after our Walden days" remarks Daniel Winberg (2010 H4I Team Management Chair).

Walden Inter-Camp Bball team (1998) - H4I volunteers make up the core of this roster

Sol Birenbaum, Walden Director and part-owner, has been actively fostering his Walden alumni network since his tenure with the camp began in 2003. Upon developing tremendous relationships with some of these staff, he noted the synergy amongst some of his most faithful Walden alum and their involvement with the Hoops 4 Israel charitable initiative. As an alumnus of CHAT and an avid-sports fan, Sol has brought H4I into his corporate social responsibility portfolio for the camp. The commonality of helping at-risk youth in Israel and running a summer camp that provides life-long experiences that allow youth to reach their full potential is something that resonates deeply with Sol and Howie. The fact that active Walden alumni can find a connection and provide significant support to the Jewish community in Toronto and Israel makes the partnership that much more meaningful .

Sol Birenbaum, President & CEO of Walden since 2003

The foundation of volunteer and professional support, from left: Daniel Winberg (Past Unit-head / Walden Camper of 10+ years), David Katz (Past Head of Ski / Walden Camper of 10+ years), David Goodman (Past staff member / Camper of 10+ years) and Aaron Collins (Past Unit-head / Leadership team member / Alumni Reunion Committee Volunteer / Camper of 10+ years) demonstrate their commitment to Jewish community after years of personal growth at Walden. Several other volunteers of H4I who spent their formative years at Walden include: Michael Binder, Jon Goldfarb, Brandon Pike, Jamie Goodman, Emily Goodman, Rob Trager, Luke Cole, Jamie Collins, Dave Borins, Dave Rotchtin, Mike Gilbert, Aron Brager and Josh Lerner.

Walden has been able to lift the Hoops 4 Israel charitable intiative to amazing fundraising levels, contributing as a corporate team sponsor in 2007 where H4I raised $100,250, 2008: $131,000 and 2009: $98,200. Walden has committed to be a team sponsor in 2010 to further solidify this partnership. As cliche a basketball term as we can find is only fitting to describe the Hoops 4 Israel partnership with Walden...a Slam Dunk!