50 volunteers, 180 boxes...3,500 items!
KEY FACTS
Participants aged between 5 and 75, including youth leaders from all of the organisations, sorted and boxed approximately 3600 items of new and nearly new goods
More than 50 volunteers packed a remarkable 180 boxes full of humanitarian aid to be sent to Jewish communities in Belarus
Since January of this year, WJR’s Gifts in Kind programme has sent 20 of these huge trailers to Jewish communities across Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union
Yesterday, (Sunday 18 May) the first ever WJR (World Jewish Relief) Packathon in Manchester took place at the Macaabi Centre, as a joint initiative between WJR, Maccabi and the United Synagogue, with support from Bnei Akiva, FZY, Habonim and the Whitefield Jewish Youth Club.
More than 50 volunteers packed a remarkable 180 boxes full of humanitarian aid to be sent to Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union.
Participants aged between 5 and 75, including youth leaders from all of the organisations, sorted and boxed approximately 3600 items of new and nearly new goods - including winter clothing, children’s toys, basic sanitary items, bedding and school stationary - that have been generously donated by the Manchester Jewish community through WJR’s unique Gifts in Kind (GiK) humanitarian relief programme.
The boxes were prepared to be taken to WJR’s warehouse in Neasden, where they will be loaded into huge 40 foot trailers that will be sent to the deprived Jewish community in Belarus. Each container holds enough goods to provide 30,000 people with an item of warm clothing or a toy for their child.
Rosalind Bluestone, who heads WJR’s Gifts in Kind programme said:
“The response on Sunday from our dedicated supporters, and many new ones too, was totally overwhelming. In countries where hardship is a daily battle for families and elderly alike, we are privileged to be in a position to help. The humanitarian aid sent by WJR gives immediate help to many thousands of people. Often these people do not have coats or shoes for the winter. They have to make daily choices as to whether to buy medicines, or food. If we are providing them with basic necessities, such as clothing for their children, it means that their meagre incomes stretch a little further. Each shipment is eagerly awaited by the supported communities.”
After suffering pogroms and hate attacks during the Holocaust, nearly 90% of the Jewish population in Belarus perished by 1945. There are now an estimated 70,000 Jews in Belarus, with almost half of those people living well below the poverty line. The recipients of WJR’s vital humanitarian aid are vulnerable people, often living in hostile environments, and lacking even the most basic necessities. The donated goods are distributed according to need under careful and diligent local supervision.
Since January of this year, WJR’s Gifts in Kind programme has sent 20 of these huge trailers to Jewish communities across Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, including to Serbia, Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Hungary – a record for the charity and a lifeline for so many.
It is easier than you might think to make a huge difference – and WJR is always looking for more support. WJR are networking for industry contacts who maybe able to help them with donations of new goods. Many UK companies are donating goods to World Jewish Relief for this most worthwhile cause. The cost of sending the trailers full of aid abroad is continually rising – any donations to help cover these fees are gratefully received.
To find out more, call WJR on 020 8736 1250
