Maccabi Carnival Participants in Community Aid
2011 has marked the first time Maccabi Junior Carnival has been involved in a full day of community service, with participants entertaining the elderly at Jewish Care, lending a hand to those in Kinglake and Marysville, helping out at the Foodbank in Williamstown and giving their all to sustain the environment at Coast Care in Mt Martha.
The majority of the competitors were sent to Jewish Care in St Kilda Road, assisting the elderly in a variety of activities, ranging from Zumba classes to the production of Artwork. Many also interacted with intellectually challenged and disabled children, whilst Cricket Australia ran numerous activities, as well as leadership seminars
200 participants and leaders were sent to various areas along the coastline ranging from Beaumaris to Mt Martha, where they all put in a tremendous effort, learning about the effects on the coastal environment, and also got their hands dirty by pulling out the dreaded Pinkberry Heath and other unwanted plants. These weeds have now spread across a vast area, preventing the plantation and growing of certain plants and affect the local wildlife.
After a solid two hour weeding session, everyone took a break to have lunch and a drink, and were able to meet Federal Shadow Minister for the
Federal Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt with participants
Environment, Greg Hunt, who gave advice to the kids on the preservation of the environment. Mr. Hunt urged for them to help out local environmentalists to be able to “leave a legacy for your kids.” The minister also took everyone by surprise, greeting them in Hebrew, which he learned whilst on a lengthy trip to Israel back in 1985, and used the opportunity to restore his speaking skills.
Almost two years after the Black Saturday bushfires, many communities are still in the recovery process, therefore 100 kids were sent to Marysville and Kinglake, working on damaged properties and lending a hand at local Farmers Markets.
At the Foodbank in Williamstown, 50 participants learnt what many people in poverty have to live through without adequate food or monetary supplies, as well as packing food hampers for those affected by the Queensland floods.
All of the charities were grateful for the involvement of all the Carnival participants, and the Organising Committee could not be prouder of the spirit and respect shown in this historical day. They now look to Brisbane in 2012 to hopefully continue this outstanding tradition
