Everyone from the very young to the young-at-heart did good this Sunday as members of Stanmore & Canons Park Synagogue (SACPS) pulled together to benefit the wider local and international community.
From making soup for a homeless charity in Harrow to collecting tons of clothes, toys and food supplies for those in need, hundreds of people joined in with Mitzvah Day, the Jewish community’s annual drive to do good deeds.
The synagogue’s youngest members made stencil cards for international charity Save a Child’s Heart and planted flowers in decorated pots for residents of local housing association jLiving, as well making dog toys for the National Animal Welfare Trust.
Meanwhile the oldest members enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea accompanied by big band sound, tight vocal harmonies, and showstopping tap dancing provided by The Satin Dollz, an internationally acclaimed musical act brought to the synagogue by courtesy of nearby luxury retirement home The Landsby.
They were joined at tea by local dignitaries, including Harrow MP Bob Blackman, who said: “Mitzvah Day is a great occasion to encourage everyone from all faiths and backgrounds to come together and make the world a better place through social action. It provides an inspiring example and reminder of the generosity humankind is capable of.”
In fact, for SACPS it’s been a ‘Mitzvah Month’. Activities started on 27 October with a multi-faith gardening event where a group of volunteers from local religious groups cleared leaves, planted flowers and dug over the beds in The Memorial Garden in Canons Park, getting it ready for the winter.
Corinne Linskell, chair of Mitzvah Day activities at SACPS, said: “This year’s Mitzvah Day theme of ‘Stronger Together’ was in full evidence on Sunday with people of all age groups and skills working together to achieve such a memorable and worthwhile communal event. We are delighted that so many people have come together to have such a positive impact on the local and wider community.”
The day itself saw the synagogue decked out in Mitzvah Day lime green bunting and balloons to welcome volunteers and donors through the doors to contribute to the day of social action.
