A new community volunteer project was launched at Schneider Children’s, member of Clalit Health Services, when the hospital joined Clalit’s efforts to improve road safety and assist the Ethiopian immigrant community. At the launch, hospital staff was requested to volunteer for various missions.

The event took place in the presence of Prof. Joseph Press, Director of Schneider Children’s, and members of Clalit and hospital managements. Dr. Diane Levin, Director of Clalit’s Department of Education and Health Advancement, spoke about the Ethiopian community and the Ethiopian dance troupe “Beita” gave a short performance.

Physical and Occupational Therapy teams at Schneider, led by Nili Arbel and Yuliana Eshel, were placed in charge of the road safety activities and focused efforts on walking safely to school, safe cycling and child safety in cars. Explanatory pamphlets were prepared for Schneider employees, patients and their parents. At the same time, Dr. Ofra Aran, Director of Social Services, and Dr. Esti Ben Haim, Director of Ambulatory Services, are leading support of the Ethiopian community. Cooperation was established with the Emuna children’s crèche in Petach Tikvah, where many staff members have already volunteered and present lectures to children and their parents.

According to Prof. Press, “Schneider Children’s is a leading medical institution that has broad contacts and partners within the community and therefore we feel that volunteering is very important. I am proud that two projects were selected by Clalit’s management: road safety and support of the Ethiopian community, which strengthens our commitment to them.”


January 2010