myfund philanthropy initiative comes to Manchester

UJIA Manchester launched the start of myfund in the city with its first participant James Jobling, son of Bruce and Alison Jobling of Cheadle, Cheshire, who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in March 2010 at Sha'are Hayim Sephardi Congregation.

UJIA myfund gives teenagers of Bar and Bat Mitzvah age the opportunity to understand the concepts of communal responsibility and social justice within the context of Jewish values such as philanthropy and perfecting the world (Tikkun Olam) in an informal, social environment. Over five years, participants learn about a variety of good causes and how to research the best charitable organisations to which they will make a donation from their funds.

To encourage these young philanthropists, UJIA is matching funds by doubling deposits up to a maximum of £250 in the first year to help their giving go even further. Through myfund, UJIA aims to develop a cohort of informed givers and fundraisers that will benefit British society and beyond, long into the future.

There will be an annual allocation evening when money is donated to their chosen causes via a special myfund account held and administered by UJIA.

Rabbi Amir Ellituv of Sha'are Hayim Sephardi Congregation said:

"myfund is a vital initiative. We live in a generation when many young people have everything and lack nothing. myfund creates an opportunity to give rather than take; to realise that even though we may think we have everything, unless we share what we have, then we really have nothing.

"I am delighted that the youngsters of our community have embraced this initiative and hope that many more will be inspired to give and to help others."