27 March 2020
It only takes a moment to change a lifetime and Jewish Care is calling on the Victorian Jewish community to make that moment now.
Each year, Jewish Care Victoria assists over 6,000 individuals and families experiencing crisis and hardship. Services such as housing support, financial counselling and interest free loans, employment services, mental health promotion, and family violence advocacy are vital to the health and wellbeing of the community but are completely un-funded by government supports.
It is only through the Annual Appeal and the commitment and generosity of the Victorian Jewish community that Jewish Care is able to provide these essential services to the most vulnerable members of the community each and every day.
In the midst of the current and unprecedented global health crisis, the theme of Jewish Care’s 2020 Annual Appeal is proving true, now more than ever; it only takes a moment to change a lifetime.
All around the Victorian Jewish community, the lives of an ever-growing number of individuals and families are being suddenly and profoundly changed in a moment by the coronavirus pandemic. Whether it’s social isolation, emotional distress and worry, financial hardship, or needing a helping hand to run errands and collect groceries, people are relying on Jewish Care in this time of crisis and urgent need.
As the pressures on many in the Victorian Jewish community continue to escalate day by day, the Jewish Care Support Line and dedicated COVID-19 Helpline are being inundated with calls for help. This increased demand on resources is expected to continue long after the peak of COVID-19 passes, making this year’s Annual Appeal more important than ever before.
The magnitude of the effects caused by the pandemic has seen the fundraising activities for this year’s Annual Appeal severely impacted. Events that are essential in helping to raise much needed funds, including the Annual Dinner, major donor functions, and the Sunday Tzedakah Telethon, have been cancelled.
Despite these uncertain times, the financial need remains. Jewish Care is now appealing to the community to help it reach a revised target of $5 million to ensure it can continue to provide long-lasting and vital support that change lifetimes.
“For over 171 years, Jewish Care has been the safety net of the Victorian Jewish community throughout tough times. The COVID-19 pandemic is no different,” said Jewish Care CEO, Bill Appleby.
“As the largest provider of services to the Victorian Jewish community, we are in a unique and unparalleled position to be able to provide a holistic range of wrap-around supports that make a significant difference to individuals and families when they need it most,” continued Appleby. “And that’s why I’m asking our community to give generously to the 2020 Annual Appeal; your support will ensure we can continue to do this now and for the many months beyond the coronavirus pandemic.”
“Your donations to Jewish Care’s 2020 Annual Appeal will have a lasting impact on the lives of people in our community,” said Susie Ivany OAM, President of Jewish Care. “We’re facing a once-in-a-century crisis, but I know if we come together to ensure vulnerable people in our community are cared for and supported in these times of need, we can continue to provide a sense of security, connectedness, and hope.”
“I can’t emphasise this enough. Many lives are depending on Jewish Care and Jewish Care is depending on your support. Now, more than ever, we need your help.”
Please take a moment today to give the 2020 Annual Appeal. To donate, call 1800 539 474 or donate online.