myfund official launch

myfund, the latest exciting venture from UJIA, held its official launch at Number 10 Downing Street, with a special gathering hosted by Mrs Sarah Brown.

myfund is an innovative educational initiative that gives teenagers the opportunity to understand philanthropy within the context of Jewish values of communal responsibility and social justice. It enables them to practise their learning by researching good causes and making donations to charities of their choice, whether Jewish or non-Jewish, local, national or international.

Young people deposit money into an account on the occasion of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah (Jewish coming of age). UJIA match that initial deposit up to £250, doubling the amount that the young person has available to donate to the charity of their choice.

Mrs Brown, who welcomed guests, praised UJIA's initiative of engaging with teens and introducing them to the concept of charitable giving from an early age in a structured and innovative way.

UJIA Trustee James Libson followed Mrs Brown's welcome and introduced some of the young myfund participants -- (Gabi Mendelsohn, Ella Krikler, Jake Libson and Sally Patterson).

"Bar and Bat Mitzvah is a time when many young people are thinking about Jewish meaning in their lives. It is also a time when they often receive much as part of their celebration. myfund enables them to give something back in a truly Jewish way and to start their philanthropic journey." James Libson, UJIA Trustee

"myfund has had an impact on me, I now think about money in a different way. I understand its value more than simply numeric terms." Gabi Mendelsohn age 12

The event welcomed key stakeholders of the programme which included a range of national and local charities, and leaders of public, communal and business life.

For more information on myfund please contact David Brown or visit the myfund website