Volunteers Week June 1-12 2016
This year’s Volunteers' Week saw a huge variety of events to celebrate and thank all the volunteers in the community both online and throughout the UK.
Online, charities and volunteer organisations took over the hashtag ‘#volunteersweek’ across all social media networks applauding their volunteers and promoting their activities.
JVN organised a stand in the Broadwalk in Edgware, handing out pens and leaflets and encouraging passers-by to sign up and discuss becoming a volunteer.
JVN were also at Brent Cross along with Volunteering Barnet and the Barnet Multi Faith Forum, which included a visit from the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr David Longstaff , who joined in the fun, taking photos and selfies with the volunteers. There was also a surprise visit from Southgate Rabbi and Rebbetzin Epstein.
The JVN network of member charities and many synagogues also enjoyed some great events during Volunteer’s Week – below are some of the highlights...
Camp Simcha
Camp Simcha paid tribute to its team of 500 volunteers by hosting a BBQ and garden party.
‘Volunteers are the life-blood of our organisation. They help us in so many ways, from the amazing support our Camp Simcha Big Brothers and Sisters give as special friends to the sick children and their siblings; to our summer scheme volunteers; our drivers who deliver balloons and cuddly teddies to ill children in hospital; our army of Toy Drive helpers; and all the amazing people who run, walk, cycle, swim, bake, sky dive and so much more to raise funds for us - we could not do what we do without them.’
Chief executive of Camp Simcha Neville Goldschneider spoke of the vital role volunteers play in the charity.
Leeds Jewish Welfare Board
The Leeds Jewish Welfare Board celebrated the contributions of volunteers, who cumulatively devote 22,000 hours annually, at an awards tea thrown by the charity.
There was special recognition for Brian Plartus, an integral member of the volunteering team for 54 years.
For new Leeds Lord Mayor Councillor Gerry Harper and Lady Mayoress Lynne Scholes, it was their first Jewish community function. Praising the volunteers, Councillor Harper said "Leeds is blessed by people who are quite willing to go out and support others who can't in many cases support themselves."
"Someone will have a friend and enjoy a conversation, someone will have been served a meal with care and compassion and someone else will know there is at least one person in the world who cares."
Leeds Jewish Welfare Board Chief executive Liz Bradbury.
Goods for Good
Goods for Good celebrated Volunteers Week' with great enthusiasm. Their regular weekly packing sessions between 1st-12th June culminated with a brunch-time spread from Mr Baker in Borehamwood on Thursday 9th June.
"After a fantastic inter-faith packing session, when we packed over 30 bags of humanitarian aid for the refugee camps in northern Iraq, a Middle-Eastern style brunch buffet disappeared before we could take any photos!"
JW3
JW3 had a film night, showing the Woody Allen film “Midnight in Paris”.
Tulip Siddiq, their local MP came to meet the volunteers. Over 40 volunteers came to enjoy a film, drinks, nibble and mingle evening. JW3 CEO Raymond Simonson also gave a speech to thank the volunteers.
“I would like to say A Big Thank You to You For the Volunteers Event...I really appreciated it...I even made a New Friend during the event and we even went for a coffee following day which ended up drinking beer, eating burger and chips and having a deep conversation... lol... :)
Its all because of you...!!!-Thank you... xxx
During the event, Everything was perfect, the cinema-film and the male character lol, the food, drinks and meeting with other volunteers afterwards and of course You...!!!
I hope I can get more opportunities and time to Volunteer for You and JW3...”
Email from a volunteer who attended
Jewish Blind and Disabled (JBD)
The JBD held two tea parties to thank their volunteers during Volunteers’ Week. One was held at Milne Court, South Woodford, while the other was held at Cecil Rosen Court in Bushey Heath to thank their volunteers in both North-East and North-West London. Around 70 volunteers enjoyed a catered afternoon tea, entertained by a singer and were presented with a Thank You Certificate by the JBD Chief Executive Hazel Kaye. She thanked them for the work that they do organising activities for our tenants and helping to create communities in the JBD buildings.
“Thank you so much for all the effort putting on such a special and memorable volunteers’ party. Really enjoyed and appreciated it!”
“The food was gorgeous, the entertainment good and it was nice to meet some new people too.”
Volunteers appreciated the events.
Kisharon
Kisharon held a training session for volunteers offering people an insight into a community charity’s work during Volunteers’ Week. Kisharon volunteers also recently enjoyed a breakfast and training session at the charity’s head office in Hendon.
People gained an insight into different aspects of the charity’s work, as Kisharon supports children with complex learning difficulties. They also learned about care and the mental capacity act.
Jewish Deaf Association
“Volunteers are an essential part of how we deliver services at JDA. We simply couldn’t provide what we do without their help. As part of Volunteers' Week, JDA wanted to show just how valued our volunteers are. We held a lunch event where volunteers each received personal thanks from staff and a certificate. In the picture, you can see some of the volunteers signing the word “Volunteer”! Everyone had a great time and we are already looking forwards to the next event!”
Andrew Goodwin of the JDA.
A number of synagogues and Rabbis also got involved in Volunteers' Week and other synagogues are hosting events to thank volunteers later in the year.
New North London Synagogue
The Synagogue held a special Kiddush inviting and personally thanking its volunteers. Rabbi Wittenberg wrote a number of special pieces on volunteering for both JVN and his weekly email and spoke about it during his sermons on 4th June.
New Southgate Synagogue
Rabbi Daniel Epstein spoke about volunteering and the work of JVN during his sermon. Also present in the synagogue were two local councilors who heard about the wonderful work volunteers in the community do.
Pinner Synagogue
The Rabbi and Chairperson spoke about volunteering and thanked volunteers. A seudah attended by 50 people included volunteers from all aspects of synagogue life. JVN Director, Leonie Lewis, spoke of the work JVN does. She received lots of positive feedback.
Woodside Park Synagogue
A message from the Chairperson, Debra Morris:
“As we come near to Shavuot, where we read about the Jewish people who said we will do and we will learn (in Hebrew Naasseh Venishma), I just wanted to write on behalf of the Rabbonim, honorary officers, the board and office to thank you personally for giving up your time and helping as a volunteer in our community here at Woodside Park. All our volunteers add so much to our very vibrant community, for which we are truly grateful.”
