Jewish teens in Cairns distribute gifts to hospitalised children
Children in Cairns base hospital got a happiness boost when teens from Chabad North Queensland gave them gift bags.
Happy patient
Lego, toys, children’s books, and home-baked cookies were among the gifts distributed by the teens.
Arriving with gift bags
Rebbetzin Mushkie Rubin, co-director of Chabad of North QLD, said: “The Jewish month of Av is traditionally used to foster the spirit of giving and love to another. We want to instil in our teens the values of giving and helping out those who are vulnerable.”
The teens spent the day baking treats, choosing toys and books to go into the bags and then travelled to the hospital to deliver them to the patients personally.
“Seeing those kids receiving those gifts was really special. It made me appreciate the little things we can do to help others,” said Ella Brown, a teen from Palm Cove.
The initiative draws inspiration from the Rebbe — Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, who taught that every individual who fulfils his or her obligations to the extent of their G‑d-given capacities shares in the totality of the effort and accomplishment of the entire Jewish People.
“G‑d created everyone in this world for a purpose,” said Rebbetzin Rubin. “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.”
She recalled a conversation she had with a patient, remarking the profound comfort the patient felt in receiving the gift during her time of grief. “The family said it had provided a moment of calm during an incredibly stressful time.”
It is a story such as this that warms my heart and makes me proud to be a Jew in the Australian community.
Kol Hakavod, Rebbetzin and all those in Nth Qld who make us all proud Australian Jews.