There were, coloured pens, stickers, glitter and paint in abundance on Sunday when 20 children aged between five and 10 years-old took part in Chanukah Heroes, an initiative organised by the charity Tikun to help benefit the young people at Norwood, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and children and families in needs.
Children were encouraged to become Chanukah Heroes through arts and crafts by donating a toy of their own to give to a Norwood child less fortunate than themselves. At the Tikun Centre, based in Temple Fortune, the children were greeted by a huge array of art materials to decorate and personalise a gift box to place their donated toy into. Everyone was able to get into the spirit of Chanukah with lots of chocolate Chanukah money, sweets and dreidels to fill the boxes.
Jo Hyams, Volunteer and Projects Coordinator at Tikun said: “There was a great atmosphere at Chanukah Heroes, everyone got into the spirit of the day and there were sweets, chocolates and lots of glitter flying around. All the children made a real effort to donate a toy of their own for another child.”
“We at Tikun wanted to give children the opportunity to give something from themselves, to a Norwood child in the community to brighten up their life during the festival of Chanukah. We wanted them to have a fun and exciting day but also help them at the same time to understand the underlying message that there are children who don’t have the same things they do” she added.
Eileen Martell, Norwood’s Family Support Service Manager, said: “It is lovely when children come together to share of themselves for the benefit of others. Tikun provided an opportunity for children to learn the joy of giving to others in such a fun way and the young people at Norwood receiving these gifts send a big thank you.”
