Walking for Needy Kids
Sydney laid on a fabulous, fun and meaningful day for all who participated in Friendship Circle’s Friendship Walk.
Friendship pic: Ingrid Shakenovsky
More than 500 people from across the community turned up showing their support of The Friendship Circle in its work for young people with special needs.
The walk was opened by the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull and Waverley Councilman Leon Goltzman after the blowing of the Shofar in preparation for Rosh Hashanah. Together we walked a 2km or 4 km route across the Parsley Bay Bridge. The children were thoroughly entertained by Barak and his team while the rest of the family enjoyed a BBQ and reflections from Friendship Circle volunteer Sam Goldberg.
Friendly dogs pic: Ingrid Shakenovsky
One parent said, “The day brought out on a large scale the spirit the organisation has been fostering in the Jewish community. Barriers lifted as we walked across the bridge united, embracing all people – without labels. I felt really proud to be part of Friendship Circle.”
A teen explained, “I came because I heard so much about Friendship Circle and I wanted to be a part of it.”
We were really pleased with the results. The walk raised a substantial amount that will enable us to keep our doors open in the short term, but the real success of the day was the large amount of young people who attended the walk. Seeing so many young people who identify with Friendship Circle and are interested and committed to including people with special needs, was the true success of they day.
Directors Chana and Sender Kavka said: “We are very grateful to the committee, the volunteers, our corporate sponsors, fundraisers, walkers and all the Friendship Circle participants for making this day so memorable.”
Committee member Jodi Gelbart added: “I feel extremely privileged to be part of such a special organisation, an organisation that really impacts so many people in the community in so many amazingly wonderful ways. Not only are the special needs individuals and their families impacted, but so too are the volunteers and everyone involved in this unique organisation. It is so humbling and self gratifying to work with such remarkable people, I feel truly blessed”.
