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 (3/16/09) helped firmly establish the day as a national holiday of doing good.  Almost 245,000 volunteer hours, 70,000 volunteers, 1,000 social projects in over 130 town and cities around Israel and one day of social activism benefiting communities, organizations and individuals.  In addition, projects were simultaneously held in eight locations worldwide

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 Sheri 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 April 5th, 2010.  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."


So how do I join in?
Monday, February 01, 2010

Go to Organize your Good Deeds Day project

See what kind of projects can be done.
Read how to organize a Good Deeds Day project in your community
 
Created a project? – Great! Now share it with us!
Post your project on the Good Deeds International page alongside projects from all over the world!
 
So join Good Deeds Day by arranging a project in your community and sharing it with others
Please contact us if you have questions or need more ideas.
 
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