Cairns Jewish teens distribute toys to hospitalised children
Children in Cairns base hospital got a happiness boost on Monday when teens from Chabad North Queensland gave them bags filled with gifts.
Rabbi Ari Rubin leads the volunteers
Lego, dolls, toys, children’s books and games were among the gifts distributed by the teens.
“Shavuot symbolises the Jewish unity at Mount Sinai” recalls Rebbetzin Mushkie Rubin, co-director of Chabad of North QLD. “We want to instil in our teens the values of giving and to help out those who are vulnerable.”
The teens spent their after-school volunteering at the hospital, choosing toys and books to go into the bags and then personally delivering them to the patients.
A present being delivered
“I got goosebumps looking at the smile on one of the children there”, one of the nurses explained. “He’s been here for a week and has been miserable the entire time. This is the first time he has smiled”
The initiative, run by Rabbi Ari Rubin and Rebbetzin Mushkie, draws inspiration from the Rebbe — Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson.
The Rebbetzin explained: “G‑d created everyone in this world for a purpose. At the core of what we do is to ensure that each person can be included in society and reach their full potential to accomplish their G‑d-given mission in this world.”
“Seeing those children so happy really made my day. It made me appreciate the little things we can do to help others,” said Eli Liddel a teen from Trinity Beach.
She mentioned a parent who said the gift had provided a moment of calm during an incredibly stressful time.
