The pandemic lockdowns radically changed the way communal charities raised money, sparking a profusion of online fundraising drives.

Some organisations have stayed online for their major income-generating events; others have returned to the traditional annual dinners.

But competing in what Wizo UK chair Annabel Stelzer acknowledges is an overcrowded market, the women’s welfare charity decided to do something different.

In place of a dinner, Wizo has this week staged an immersive exhibition at Kent House, Knightsbridge, sponsored by David and Judy Dangoor.

Part of its Women Leading The Way campaign, it gives regular and potentially new supporters a flavour of its life-transforming work in Israel.

In an intimate experience, small groups are being shown around the display, focusing on the story of Dina, who fled an abusive husband with her children for the sanctuary of a Wizo shelter.

Wandering from room to room, visitors not only get to see how Dina has turned her life around with the help of the charity’s myriad services.

There is also a recreation of the chilling phone call from Dina’s husband to another of the 800 Wizo-backed activities, a men’s hotline.

He tells the counsellor: “I called because I’ve been fighting with my wife.

“Do you know how long I’ve been keeping this inside?” He goes on that it’s difficult to make enough money to raise three children but he doesn’t want to lose his family. He is then asked: “Have you ever hurt your wife?”

The response: “I don’t remember.”

In the event, the couple were not reconciled, Dina feeling safe in Wizo’s care. “They opened my eyes to so many things I didn’t see.”

She now felt settled “and more capable of coping with life.

“I cannot say thank you enough to Wizo for keeping me and my children together. I am eternally grateful.”

Display boards at the entrance and around the exhibition highlight Wizo’s history, achievements — such as its leading role in securing improvements in women’s rights in Israel — and current activities.

QR codes linking donors to the Wizo website are also prominent, although conventional donation forms are included in the information packs for visitors to take away, which feature other case studies of women in dire circumstances who have been helped by Wizo.

Ms Stelzer told the JC that a few hundred people were expected to view the exhibition during the week, equivalent to the attendance the charity might expect at a dinner. Not that Wizo’s guests went hungry with canapés, bowl food and alcoholic refreshments served.

“The traditional form of dinner can be effective but it’s more effective if you can get people more involved in a story,” she reasoned.

There was the additional advantage of the charity now possessing a highly polished presentation that could be shown elsewhere in amended formats.

Initial reaction had been “overwhelmingly positive”, Ms Stelzer reported.

“People have found it very impactful. They had no idea of the scope of our activities.”

It had already brought the possibility of a major donation from a new source.

One visiting group was of under-30s, the next generation of funders that charities are desperately endeavouring to engage. Another group comprised three generations of the Sieff family (Rebecca Sieff was a Wizo founder).

Wizo is committed to raising £1.2million to renovate its Adi centre in Beersheba, supporting vulnerable families and girls at extreme risk.

It says the investment will benefit Israelis and Russian, Ethiopian and Ukrainian immigrants through training in vocational skills, specialised therapy and counselling.

The exhibition also promoted the latest incarnation of Wizo’s Commitment Awards, rewarding excellence in areas including workplace equality, women’s education, women in leadership and innovation that has changed women’s lives.

Businessman Claude Littner, known for his appearances on The Apprentice, is chairing the judging panel, which also includes investigative journalist John Ware.

The prize for winners is an Israel trip taking in Wizo projects and “cultural or business experiences”.