The United Synagogue

Project Chesed Steps In To Make A Big Difference

PRESS RELEASE

London,
3rd August 2009


PROJECT CHESED STEPS IN TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Project Chesed, the charitable arm of the US, is launching a Shoe Collection to support the 'Shoe Aid for Africa' campaign. The initiative aims to collect unwanted shoes, especially from children, before brightening them up and distributing them across Africa to those unable to buy shoes for their children.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue launched the first collection with a shoe decoration party, where children were asked to come and bring an old pair of shoes that they could donate. In return, a shoe decorating entertainer gave them each a pair of converse boots which they were taught how to decorate, and they were also shown the art of shoe graffiti.

Project Chesed hopes to champion this initiative across US communities to encourage all members to donate their old shoes, and will be organising further shoe decoration parties to educate the US' younger members following its initial success at HGSS..

The shoe initiative is part of Project Chesed's collection scheme, which asks members to donate different items desperately needed by various charities around the world. This year Project Chesed has also collected old pairs of spectacles, toys, baby goods, and chametz for the homeless, making a huge difference to the lives of others.

Candice Woolfson, Director of Project Chesed said:
"Project Chesed teaches about recognising the Jewish responsibility to help our fellow human beings, encourages acts of kindness and inspires our community to make a difference.

Shoes are so vitally important to our everyday living - they give us our dignity, and almost nothing seems so wasteful as a pair of shoes going unused. As Jews, we know only too well what a room full of shoes looks like. Perhaps we hold a unique responsibility to donate our old shoes towards continued use and help those in desperate need of our support."


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EDITORS' NOTES: -

For further information, please contact:

Laura Ellman
The PR Office
Work: 020 7284 6956
Email: us@theproffice.com

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