News from Kol Ami

on Thursday, 20 February 2014.

BY MARLEINE KAY

SAM FRISZ

“Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one's ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them” wrote Harriet Naylor, an American pioneer in the development of volunteer program management. When Harriet wrote these words, she obviously had someone such as Sam Frisz in mind.

As a long standing member of Kol Ami - a member for almost 25 years together with his wife Barbara - Sam was around for the “pioneer days” of the shul.

Sam has done so much over the years to enhance Kol Ami. He is a former Board member and Past Treasurer, and is currently a highly valued member of the volunteer Finance Commitee. Each year, prior to year-end, Sam provides all of the working papers for our accountant. Without providing this level of support to the Treasurer, Kol Ami’s financial statements and annual charitable return for the Canada Revenue Agency would not be completed.  In itself, this is an enormous undertaking.

Sam has filed the Temple's HST returns for the past several years, which has ensured that these much needed funds were returned to Kol Ami. He has also been instrumental in liaising with CRA when needed. Sam is known for his expertise and high level of professionalism.

In addition, Sam works very closely with our Office Manager, Ella, in matters relating to our specialised accounting and bookkeeping software. Sam is always willing and able to make the time to help out Kol Ami’s Treasurer and Board with complex finance questions.

Even though family man Sam is exceptionally involved in his professional life, he always finds the time for Kol Ami. When he is not busy crunching the numbers for Kol Ami, Sam is one heck of an outfielder in the Kol Ami baseball team.

Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give". With his generous spirit, Sam has certainly made a great life and he is so worthy to be Mensch of the Month!

Mazel Tov Sam and Todah Rabah.