Fran Sonshine, National Chair
Fran Sonshine, a prominent leader in the Canadian Jewish community, is the National Chair of the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem. Fran was elected to this position in February 2009, following many years of involvement with the Society, including being its 2003 Gala Dinner Honouree, along with her husband, Ed Sonshine.
Fran is currently a board member of numerous Jewish community organizations including UJA/Federation’s Jewish Foundation; CIJA (Canadian Council for Israel and Jewish Advocacy); the Board of Governors of Mount Sinai Hospital; and the National Women’s Philanthropy Board of the United Jewish Communities, the umbrella organization for North American Federations.
Among her many leadership roles, Mrs. Sonshine is the past co-chair of the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto's annual campaign; a past chair of the UJA Federation Women's Campaign and Advocacy; and a past chair of the Lion of Judah Endowment. Additionally, Fran is the immediate past chair of the Board of Baycrest and was the first female chair of the Baycrest Foundation, where she initiated their inaugural annual campaign.
A former school teacher, Mrs. Sonshine’s volunteer work began with Canadian Hadassah-WIZO, for whom she has chaired conferences, led missions to Israel and traveled across Canada as a Leadership Trainer. She has also been involved with State of Israel Bonds and Aish Hatorah, and, together with Ed, established one of the first Legacy Funds for the Toronto Jewish Foundation.
Mrs. Sonshine received the 1996 Hadassah-WIZO’s Volunteer of Distinction award; the 2003 UJA Federation’s ShemTov Award; and the International Spirit of Jerusalem Award given by State of Israel Bonds. Fran and Ed were the 2006 Jewish National Fund Negev Dinner Honourees – an event attended by 1600 people – and, in 2008, were one of five couples honoured at the Baycrest Tribute Gala.
Fran and Ed Sonshine live in Toronto. They have three children and seven grandchildren.