OWN CORRESPONDENT
Now, a young boy has challenged the community to donate to a sports fund to meet that need.
The idea came from a young boy in the community, who while playing for his club, began to notice the people around him who never had that “brand-new feeling”. His eye was drawn to their scuffed, second-hand shoes, and tattered kits, and his heart was filled with resolve. At his Barmitzvah, this young boy stood up and pledged to donate a portion of his gift money to the chev so that other Jewish children could also enjoy the best of the best, and feel like a champion on and off the field.
The boy, who wants to remain anonymous, also challenged his friends – and all the barmy boys and batti girls around Joburg – to spread the simcha by donating to the chev’s sports fund.
The fund, run by the Chevrah Kadisha, will primarily help Jewish children to be able to afford sporting equipment, though a percentage of funds raised will go to children outside of the community.
The campaign will target Barmitzvah and Batmitzvahs specifically as it’s something kids can relate to, and a great charitable cause for a simcha, says Taryn Hatzkilson, group marketing manager at the chev. Hatzkilson says the campaign has also been advertised on social media, through posters around the community, and via press releases and advertising in school and shul newsletters.
