Help Saddleback BBQ Send an Ambulance to Ukraine

Saddleback is raising & donating money to purchase an ambulance for civilians injured in Ukraine. All money raised will go directly to the Greater Lansing Jewish Federation. The funds will be used to purchase the ambulance(s), and provide generators, sleeping bags, fire extinguishers, cooking gas, and other valuable supplies.

What inspired this?

Okemos resident, Ody Norkin, is the Vice President of Michigan Flyer. His grandparents were killed in Odessa, Ukraine, in 1941. He knew he wanted to do anything he could to help the people of Ukraine today.

He texted Rabbi Avraham Wolff in Odessa, Ukraine: “I am tired of sitting on my hands. I know all about buses and transportation. Is there anything I can do to help the folks in Odessa?”

The Rabbi replied, “Actually, we don’t need transportation help but it would be extremely helpful if you showed up with an ambulance. You could drive passengers who can’t handle buses, who must lie down. We have many infirm people here who need to be taken to a safe place.”

Ody has since made the incredible journey to personally deliver an ambulance, generator, and more needed supplies to the people of Ukraine. This will be the 4th ambulance he has delivered.

How did Saddleback Get Involved?

We were completely unaware of this unbelievable act of generosity until Tuesday when I (Travis) was having lunch with a friend, and he had to take a phone call, and I overheard him say “We need to raise $20,000 more to send another ambulance to Ukraine”. I instantly knew that we needed to help and that Matt would be on board.

Why an ambulance?

Many older adults and injured civilians cannot handle the stress of a bus ride to get to areas of assistance. Ambulances can also travel after dark when other vehicles are not allowed to travel because of curfews. Ambulances also serve as a perfect hub to store useful pharmaceuticals.

How can you help?

Donate to our GoFundMe.

What is Saddleback doing to help?

We will be providing an initial donation to the GoFundMe of $500.

Beyond that, we will add additional donations for every significant milestone raised.

$5,000 - Saddleback will donate an additional $250 ($750 total)

$10,000 - Saddleback will donate an additional $250 ($1,000 total)

$20,000 - Saddleback will donate an additional $500 ($1,500 total)

If we reach our goals, we expect to contribute $1,500. We will also pay to advertise this campaign out of our pocket.

Saddleback and Slice by Saddleback are open to all people of all types. This campaign is not a political statement in any way. Our goal is simply to help people in any way we can.

*All of the money from GoFundMe will be given directly to the Greater Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation (MIEIN: 382106869) less any fees that are charged by GoFundMe. GoFundMe charges 2.9% + $0.30 to cover credit card processing fees. We will be fully transparent with the total GoFundMe amount and show proof of the money going to the Greater Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation for use towards this effort. We are using GoFundMe so that we can incentivize and track the donations that are coming from our Saddleback community. Using GoFundMe allows us to provide incentives for hitting important fundraising milestones. We are not a non-profit organization. However, Greater Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation is a non-profit. Please consult your tax professional about any applicable tax deductions.

**No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made.

"More information about Greater Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation Inc: The Greater Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation is an affiliate organization of the Jewish Federations of North America, an umbrella organization that represents 157 Jewish Federations and 400 independent Jewish communities. The Federation movement places collectively among the top ten charities on the North American continent in charitable activities and has the goal of protecting and enhancing the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning)."

Lansing State Journal