Hillel donates two MIKEY defibrillators to University of Winnipeg
This month, Hillel Winnipeg students donated two “Mikey” Defibrillators to the University of Winnipeg. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex and was attended by over 30 students. In attendance was Brian Daly – CEO of the University of Winnipeg Foundation, Ethelindia Padua – University Health and Safety Specialist, among many other University of Winnipeg staff members. The event was covered the Jewish Post and News (see below), the Winnipeg Jewish Review, and by City TV ( on Breakfast Television). The program included speeches by Brian Daly, Ethelinda Padua, and Hillel students, Maya Pollock and Daniel Kroft.
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Hillel donates two MIKEY defibrillators to University of Winnipeg
by ELAN LEVINE
On Wednesday, April 2nd, Hillel Winnipeg donated two defibrillators to The University of Winnipeg. In honor of the donation a ribbon cutting was held at the Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex.
“Hillel came to us and said they wanted to donate,” said Brian Daly, president and CEO of the University of Winnipeg Foundation.
(Daly administers contributions to the university.) “They said they wanted to help save lives,” he said, while making a speech at the ribbon cutting before handing off the microphone to one of his associates.
“One of my responsibilities is ensuring that there is medical assistance here at the university,” explained Ethel Linda, a member of the Health and Safety Department at the University of Winnipeg. “I received a call from Hillel in December, with the possibility of
donating one defibrillator. In January, I received another call from them, and they said they would be donating two,” Linda added.
She went on to explain that in cases of unconsciousness caused by a heart attack or something comparable, use of a defibrillator instead of just CPR increases the chance of survival by 75%.
Hillel member and University of Winnipeg student Maya Pollock noted that the defibrillators were purchased from the Mikey
Foundation, and given to the University of Winnipeg in appreciation of the university’s support of Hillel’s cultural events. (The Mikey Network was established in memory of Mike Salem, who died of a heart attack 12 years ago without access to a defibrillator. The Network promotes heart-healthy living while pushing to increase public access to defibrillators (“Mikeys”). The students of Hillel are making this donation to fulfill part of their mission—to contribute positively to campus life.)
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Daniel Kroft, another member of Hillel, provided a full demonstration of the defibrillators using a volunteer. Kroft stressed the simplicity of the defibrillators.
“They are very easy to operate,” he said. “So easy in fact, that any one over the age of eight is legally capable of using one.” After his demonstration, Kroft invited an untrained passing university student to try to use one of the defibrillators, and they were able to successfully operate it with minimal instruction, saving a hypothetical life in the process.
“We hope these never have to be used,” said Pollock, gesturing to the demonstrations. “But if they ever are, it looks like we’ll be ready. Hillel Winnipeg has actively promoted heart health before, sponsoring an event to raise money and awareness for the Israeli-based charity Save a Child’s Heart, which provides cardiac surgery at no cost for children in under-privileged areas.
“Community work and volunteerism is in line with the Jewish value of tzedakah, the Hebrew term for charity,” explained Josh Winestock, Director of Hillel Winnipeg. “It’s nice to use our time in university to do more than just learn in class, to transform a community we can be a part of.””
