The boy who raised funds for Hatzolah

TALI FEINBERG

The result was incredible. In six months, Michael – whose parents asked that his surname not be mentioned – raised more than R20 000. “We have had other volunteers raising this amount of money for Hatzolah, but certainly not someone his age,” says the organisation’s executive general manager, Darren Kahn.

“Hatzolah Medical Rescue is a non-profit medical-rescue organisation which services the emergency needs of the Johannesburg Jewish community. It’s staffed by full-time Jewish employees as well as more than 100 volunteers who provide a free service to all,” says Kahn. “The organisation is supported by – and relies on – donations from the community. No patient or family member of a patient who calls on Hatzolah is charged for the service. Over the past year, Hatzolah has responded to more than 2 500 emergency calls, saving countless lives.”

Speaking to the SA Jewish Report from his home in Johannesburg, Michael, now nine, is just like any other kid. “I’ve always loved emergency vehicles,” he says. (His mother, Wendy, points out that he had three birthday parties at the fire station.)

“When I was recovering in hospital, I saw so many ambulances pulling in. I was really inspired by how Hatzolah did their job, even on Shabbos,” says Michael. His parents say that Hatzolah volunteer paramedic, Avi Joseph, went “above and beyond” in visiting Michael, forming a close bond with him.

Michael also found it amazing that Hatzolah stocked hospital cupboards for Jewish patients who were there over Shabbos or chaggim (Jewish holidays). “There was everything you need, even matzah and Pesachdike sweets and treats because I was in hospital over Pesach,” he remembers.

Michael launched his fundraiser in 2018, a year after his recovery, and in his birthday month of September. “We had a party to thank Hashem and celebrate my anniversary of getting better, and I asked guests to donate to Hatzolah. My school, Sandton Sinai, allowed me to give a speech at assembly, and also gave me a table at the gate where I asked people for contributions.” Everyone pitched in. His aunt shared the fundraiser on Facebook, many community members gave what they could, and Hatzolah gave the youngster tzedakah boxes, magnets, keyrings, and stickers to hand out.

Michael’s father, Jordy, thinks that his youth helped with the cause. “People definitely donated more readily as they wanted to support a child. He was eight when he started raising funds, and people really responded to that. Also he was persistent. For example, to stand at the school entrance asking for contributions was brave.”

His parents say that organisations and adults should take children seriously, as they have a lot to offer. A highlight for them was when Hatzolah’s leadership met Michael, and treated him like any other adult, hosting him in its boardroom, and giving him a business card.

“Their warmth and enthusiasm, and [the fact that they] took him seriously for what he could offer was really meaningful,” they say.

Says Michael, “My primary aim was to create awareness about Hatzolah, and what it does.” For example, he informed people about QR codes, which allows registration of medical details with the organisation. “You get a sticker with a code that you can stick on the back of your phone, and if chas vesholem [heaven forbid] you are in an accident and can’t speak for yourself, Hatzolah can scan the code and will have all your medical details.” He says a number of people took QR code forms from him to fill out.

Michael’s parents say how important it is for parents to support their children in doing this kind of thing, and to believe in them. When Michael was six, he donated his pocket money to the organisation Blind SA, which responded with a letter “like they would have written to someone had they donated a building”, says Wendy. It creates a culture of giving, and boosts a child’s confidence to do more.

Indeed, Michael may just become the community’s next top fundraiser. He recently joined a telethon, single-handily raising R6 500 for the Community Security Organisation, which was trebled by backers to become R19 500, and he says he really enjoys supporting organisations in this way.

“Words can’t express our thanks and appreciation of Michael’s amazing achievement,” says Kahn. “It’s thanks to the generosity of people like him, without whom we wouldn’t be able to operate. What’s unique about Michael is seeing how a young child has such sensitivity and passion for wanting to help us help others. Most kids his age ask for things for themselves, and aren’t mature enough to worry about the needs of others.”

Michael and his family “haven’t specifically requested that we use the money for a specific project, so it will be used to fund our amazing organisation”, he says. To Michael, he says, “May Hashem bless you and your family, and may you be able to continue doing such amazing things for the rest of your life.”