IDE Raising Money For Handicapped Children

The Israel Diamond Exchange is continuing its efforts for the organization as part of its overall framework of assistance to charities and other bodies

The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) will be holding a dedicated fund raising drive for ILAN, the Israel Foundation for Handicapped Children, on December 23, at the Ramat Gan Diamond Exchange complex. The money-raising drive at the IDE coincides with ILAN's national campaign during which, through close cooperation with the Israel Ministry of Education, tens of thousands of elementary school pupils will be knocking on the doors of virtually every Israeli household to collect donations for the veteran charity organization. "The cooperation with ILAN began last year, and the IDE's board and members are glad to continue their affiliation with this important charity," said IDE President Shmuel Schnitzer. "While the diamond industry's contribution to the Israel economy is of considerable significance, I believe that a highly visible industry like ours also needs to set an example in the realm of corporate and social responsibility (CSR). By embracing the cause of ILAN, we hope to contribute toward improving the lives of many handicapped children, for whom life is a daily struggle and who deserve our help in maintaining their personal dignity and quality of life," Schnitzer added. As the IDE spearheads the collection drive, Schnitzer serves as the chairman of the national collection campaign. ILAN was established in 1952 and assists thousands of physically impaired children and adults suffering from neuromuscular disorders such as infantile paralysis, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy. The organization, which relies for the largest part of its funding on donations, provides services to thousands of handicapped people throughout the country from its 40 branches and 30 facilities. Assistance is offered to anyone with physical disabilities no matter what their affiliation, including individuals from kibbutzim, moshavim, the Arab and ultra-Orthodox sectors.