Teen philanthropists put their Bar/Bat Mitzvah money where their mouth is

UJIA myfund participants donate savings to good causes

Jewish teenagers donated savings from their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to good causes at the first ever UJIA myfund Givers' Evening and Charity Fair (Sunday 20 June 2010). The event was held to mark the first time young philanthropists taking part in the scheme have donated to good causes. Programme participants received their personal myfund voucher books which they used to donate £850 to the charities of their choice.

Over 70 people attended the event, including myfund participants, their families and synagogue education workers. Guests learned about how their donations can make a difference to others at the Charity Fair, which was attended by organisations including AfriKids, Camp Simcha, the Community Security Trust, Jewish Care, the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, Tzedek, UJIA and Water Aid.

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). 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. The scheme, launched last year by Sarah Brown at 10 Downing Street, now has over 100 participants at synagogues across the country. Earlier this year, the programme was rolled out in Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester and will be extended to Jewish secondary schools in 2011.

Chen Shilat, UJIA myfund Project Manager, said:

"It is great to see so many young people getting inspired about giving and learning about how their donations can make a difference to others. Together we are helping to create the next generation of young philanthropists."

Cathy Whiteman, Community Fundraising Manager (Schools and Youth) at Water Aid, added:

"The event was great and I was really impressed with how engaged the young people were with all of the charities and the whole concept of the project. We are really excited to be part of it all, so thank you again."