Seven years ago, when Chicago resident Jeffrey Kane decided to take a simpler approach to life, he began driving for various transportation companies and wondered why there was no alternative for the Jewish community. This was the inspiration for KaLaJu, named for his motto of “whenever you need a ride, it doesn’t matter where to, don’t call just anyone, call a Jew — KaLaJu!”

He began contracting with schools, transporting children to bar and bat mitzvahs, driving to the airport, and taking seniors in the suburbs downtown. “Some seniors aren’t comfortable using an Uber or Lyft app and this is just calling or texting our number which is easier for them…families feel better knowing that their loved ones are with us instead of a random driver,” said Becky Adelberg, founder of Community Connect Consulting, who has been working with KaLaJu on marketing and community outreach.

The business grew to recently include a delivery service from Romanian Kosher Sausage Co. to help people in Chicago and beyond get delicious kosher meat. “KaLaJu was created as a safe, reliable transportation service for the Jewish community, which in today’s times is especially important,” Adelberg said. “I love working with a company that has a give back component. Where else can you find a transportation company that gives $1 of each ride to cancer research?”

As business continued to grow, Jeffrey learned he was fighting cancer once again. His oldest son relocated to Chicago and began driving for the company. Jeffrey passed away last December after fighting cancer for 22 years. His son, David Kane said, “Once my father passed, I felt that it was important to continue the tradition and legacy my father built of helping the Jewish community.”

The company was rebranded into a new entity, KaLaJu Trans, LLC, bolstered by support from community members sharing “wonderful stories” of his father. Although the company’s legal ownership has changed, the mission remains the same: “To give back to the community.” The company is currently looking at creating a 501c3 component.

To that point, KaLaJu partners with different cancer organizations and for every ride, KaLaJu donates $1 to the organization. Some of these charities include Imerman Angels, the Leukemia Research Foundation and Sharsheret. KaLaJu also offers free rides for cancer patients, which eases their financial burden and offers “convenience and comfort” they may not find elsewhere. “Especially in chemo time and treatments, it’s so uncomfortable and painful that to be able to create any level of comfort is a gift, so to be able to offer a high-end premium driver is” a wonderful support, Kane said.

“My goal is to continue on the great legacy my father built of giving back to the community and helping those in need. I feel honored to be able to provide a small part of contributing to making the world a better place,” Kane continued. “I hope my father is in the shamayim (heavens) smiling down on what he’s seen in the last year since he’s passed.”

For more information, visit kalajutrans.com or text or call 847.922.9823 or email [email protected].