In September, Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s National Ambulance Service, sent one of its representatives and a qualified paramedic on a road show to Hong Kong.

Students at Elsa High School received training in CPR and how to use a defibrillator, and other training sessions for community members were held at the Hong Kong Jewish Community Centre.

The highlight of the visitors’ stay in Kong Kong was a Casino Royale-themed fundraising evening, staffed by real croupiers, at the House of Siren in Mid-Levels. Funds were raised through good-humoured “gambling”, with all the individual winnings and proceeds going towards the purchase of a highly advanced and super-equipped ambulance.

In addition, donations and auction prizes were kindly donated by various sponsors. A generous anonymous donor made up the shortfall, so the total amount raised was US$97,000 (HK$752,000), enough to cover the full cost of the ambulance.

The ambulance will be the second to proudly bear the inscription of “Friends of Magen David Adom, Hong Kong” to be used in Israel.