by Regan Lipes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
(AJNews) – The Chabad Edmonton team is very excited to launch their first fully online fundraising campaign at https://causematch.com/chabadedmonton/rabbiari.
The way people communicate is rapidly evolving. This is also reflected in how people give charitably, Rabbi Ari Drelich of Chabad Lubavitch of Edmonton expressed during a recent interview with the Alberta Jewish News. “The days of our phone campaigns have changed. We’ll still continue to reach out to our supporters by phone, but people are busy, and if they have their hands full at that moment, they may not answer the call. We need to make it easier for people, and these days everyone is electronically connected.”
Thanks to the help of Cause Match, which specializes in supporting Jewish fundraising efforts, Edmonton’s local Chabad is revolutionizing how the community can show their support for sustaining essential programming. “
Purim doesn’t come cheap,” mused Rabbi Drelich. “We know that Purim and Lag B’Omer are occasions that attract the larger crowds, and we want to keep these moments of the Jewish calendar accessible for everyone.” He emphasized though, that contributing monetarily to Chabad achieves so much more in addition to celebrating the holidays. “For many families summer camp is an important source of Yiddishkeit for their children, and that might be the only Jewish enrichment they participate in throughout the year, so we need to make it a meaningful and fun experience.”
He explained further: “We have many newcomers to the community who have just immigrated, or that might have financial obstacles. Our goal is to always have those doors open for Jewish children to come and be active at camp.” Camp Gan Izzy in Edmonton remains the most affordable summer activity option, and this is thanks to the support of donors. “Camp provides our kids with a connection to Yiddishkeit that they may not otherwise have,” noted Rabbi Drelich.
“There’s a philosophy behind how our campaign is set up” he elaborated. “It’s a 36-hour push where we’re focussing our energies on bringing in the support that makes our programming throughout the year possible. Having the window of 36-hours helps us focus, because people might otherwise normally intend to give, but then easily get occupied with other things and forget. The timeframe establishes that urgency.” This is not just a standard online donation platform but brings in members of the community to engage in promoting Tzedakah. “We currently have 25 ambassadors who are registered to help us collect donations. These are people we approached because they’re already Chabad supporters in some way be it financially or as regular volunteers.”
These fundraising ambassadors are signed up so they can invite their friends and family to pledge whatever contributions they are comfortable with through a link that these representatives circulate on social media, WhatsApp, or directly with members of their circle. “We only want people to give what they are comfortable with. Our ambassadors set a goal for themselves, and this gives them a target to aim for, or hopefully, G-d willing surpass.” Ambassadors can track their progress through their dedicated campaign link and also stay motivated with access to the stats of fellow participants. “This really gives the campaign a feeling of teamwork,” emphasized Rabbi Drelich.
Donors are welcome to contribute through the campaign ambassadors or through the fundraising portal. “People can indicate different kinds of programming they’d like their support to go towards. That being said, we’ll have kiddish every week regardless, but they can always say that they want to sponsor in memory of a loved one or for a milestone of some kind and we’re very happy to make sure that their donation is allocated as they’ve requested.” All funds collected go toward supporting the vitality of local Yiddishkeit, but most critical in terms of current need, is Camp Gan Izzy…We are still clawing our way back from the hit of the Pandemic.”
This year, as in past years, camp will be staffed by local teens, and counselors from other Chabad communities. “We have 5 Edmonton counselors, and we’re bringing in 6 from outside.” This gives children the chance to get to know mentors from their own community who they will see regularly at social events and holiday gatherings, but to also connect with young Jewish leadership from outside Edmonton. “It’s important for them to know that Jewish life is thriving in so many places.” Then of course, there are the wonderful field trips, swimming, the fun projects, hearty lunches prepared with love and care, and so much more that campers and families look forward to. “Camp is one of our biggest undertakings for the entire year, and so much goes into making it all come together.” Donors have the opportunity to sponsor the registration costs for a child, as the Chabad team makes sure that no child is left out. “We’re anticipating higher participation than last year, and we’re always looking to improve and do better than in previous years. We’re grateful for the support we’ve been able to depend on in the past, and hopeful for the efforts of this campaign.”
Beginning at 10 am Sunday, June 14 and wrapping up at 10 pm on Monday, June 15, this first online fundraising campaign is an exciting team effort. “We’re strong now, but with help from the community we can be stronger, and that’s strength we all benefit from.” Rabbi Drelich emphasized that no amount is too small, and all contributions are greatly appreciated. “We know that when people give, it comes from a generous place, and no sum is taken for granted.” Those who are able are invited to click here and invest what they are able to, in sustaining Edmonton’s Jewish future.
Tax receipts are issued automatically, and all major credit cards are accepted. “We’re really making a push for this 36-hour fundraiser,” Rabbi Drelich expressed. “But people are also welcome to contact me and set up automatic monthly contributions as well.” Camp Gan Izzy, weekly kiddish, Lunch’n’Learn, the Bagels and Lox Torah Programme, Friday Night Live, holiday dinners for university students, are just a few of the Chabad undertakings that depend on support from the community. “In case people miss the 36-hour window, the website will be active for 45-days, but our main event is between Sunday morning and Monday night.”
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