A new tradition is being established in Israel - Good Deeds Day. For one day a year thousands of Israelis take a break from their daily routine to help others. On May 2007 Ruach Tova (NGO) launched the Good Deeds Day project - initiated by Shari Arison, Chairman of the Arison Group and organized by “Ruach Tova”, with the support of the Arison Family Foundation.
On that first Good Deeds Day 7,000 Israelis, from all over the country, joined by volunteering. By the following year 12,000 Israelis volunteered in one of 500 projects and during the third Good Deeds Day, 20,000 Israelis joined in.
The fourth Good Deeds Day (3/16/10) helped firmly establish the day as a national holiday of doing good. In Israel alone, 70,000 Israeli volunteers contributed 245,000 volunteer hours, participating in 1,000 social projects in over 130 towns and cities around Israel in this one day of social activism benefiting communities, organizations and individuals. Simultaneously, projects were held by communities worldwide, in Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Kiev, Boston and Arizona.
High school and college students, IDF soldiers, retirees and groups of employees from dozens of companies as well as many private individuals gave a few hours and opened their hearts to help those in need.
"The initiative, this year, received unprecedented response," says Rafi Elul, Chairman of Ruach Tova (NGO), "Even after the positive experience of past years, we were surprised by the incredible numbers of volunteers, organizations and municipalities that took part this year."
According to Shari Arison, the project's initiator, "Our main message is that it is possible and necessary to integrate business and philanthropy. It's not just about money - but it's first of all about good will."
The 5th Good Deeds Day will take place on Tuesday April 5th, 2011 in Israel and on Sunday April 3rd outside of Israel. We invite you and your fellow students, community members and colleagues to join us on this day by organizing a Good Deeds Day project in your community!
"Building upon the amazing work of past years, more and more individuals and groups, companies and organizations are looking to take part in this day of social activism by doing for others. The increase in numbers of those looking to volunteer all year round, reminds us of the importance of Good Deeds Day," says Rafi Elul, "The essence of Good Deeds Day - the desire to help others - is contagious."