Israel’s largest supermarket chain Shufersal has teamed up with United Hatzalah to help save lives in Israel. The supermarket chain is currently holding a campaign until Saturday night that allows shoppers to add an additional 10 shekels to their shopping bill at the checkout that will go towards supporting the lifesaving efforts of Israel’s national volunteer EMS organization United Hatzalah.

“This week we are giving everyone across the country the opportunity to do something to help save lives,” said President and Founder of United Hatzalah Eli Beer. “Even a modest donation of 10 shekels can help another person, so we are asking everyone while they are out shopping to help make a difference. It’s simple, easy, and something that everyone can take part in,” he added.

 

The donations will be going directly to purchase lifesaving equipment such as oxygen tanks and other items used by the organizations 5,000 volunteers on a daily basis.

“I’ve already donated several times,” said Gitty Beer, the wife of Eli who herself is a volunteer EMT and Director of the organization’s Women’s Unit.

 

Emergency Medical Volunteers from the organization also set up booths in various Shufersal locations around the country in order to explain about the importance of first responders in the chain of healthcare and to raise awareness about medical issues that have had hit Israel hard this summer such as drownings and motor vehicle accidents.

“Our volunteers are giving of their time not only to save lives but also to reach out to the community and raise awareness in the stores all over the country about the major health issues that are affecting all of us,” Eli added. “It shows their dedication to helping the people in their communities, and through this program, we are giving the communities a chance to help back.”

Vice President of United Hatzalah Eli Pollack added: “Over the course of Thursday and Friday, many people will be going out to do their shopping for Shabbat, some may even already be shopping for Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming holidays. So we decided to reach out to them in a way that will not take up any of their time and ask for a small donation to help others. People whom the shoppers don’t even know will benefit greatly from the assistance provided and the donations given. Each check out clerk will ask the shoppers if they want to donate ten shekels. For those who prefer to shop online a donation can be made by typing in the code 9956900 while checking out. This week so far, we have thankfully raised a modest amount to purchase much-needed equipment but more is still needed to answer the more than 1,000 emergency calls that we receive each day. Our message to the Israeli public is that every little bit helps, and it helps in a monumental way for the person receiving the medical care in their time of need.”