More than 3000 people from the local community flocked to Jewish Care’s biggest ever Family Fun Day on Sunday 12 June, back for the first time since 2019. The sun shone and visitors were greeted by Jewish Care’s new purple heart mascot, welcoming families with handshakes and hugs to the day at Aldenham Country Park Events Field.
The Family Fun Day raised funds to help enhance the lives of residents at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House care home which is part of Sandringham, Jewish Care’s newest care and community hub, close by in the Stanmore/Hertfordshire borders.
Families across the generations, enjoyed an afternoon of fun, food and entertainment which was sponsored by OakNorth Bank. Activities ranged from Zorbing, a climbing tower and Laser Quest for older children to train rides, chair-o-planes, bungee trampolines, inflatables and soft play for younger children. Children got creative in the arts and crafts zone, made slime and dropped into the face painting, glitter and hair braiding bars in between tea cup rides and made cards and papers flowers with PJ Library for residents at Jewish Care homes.
Refreshments kept the fun seekers refuelled from the barbeque as well as treats from the popcorn, candy floss and waffle stalls and drinks with added entertainment from schools, Clore Shalom and Kerem School, as well as Dancing with Louise and Vanessa Class School of Dance.
BBC Radio London broadcaster and journalist, Vanessa Feltz, who came to the Family Fun Day with her daughters and grandchildren, said, “What a magnificent day, beautifully organised and so much fun for all the family.”
Parent, Gemma Sinai, said, “It’s been a really fun day and so well organised. It’s really nice to see everyone from the community get together. I have a personal connections as my uncle lives at a Jewish Care home so we are very pleased to support the charity.”
Grandparent, Anthony Kaiser, who came with children and grandchildren, agreed, “It was brilliantly organised and varied, there was something for everyone – the children have had fun and we’ve had fun too,” and Janice Kaiser, added “My dad lived at Jewish Care’s Princess Alexandra Home before it became Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House, so we know what a great job they do.”
Sisters, Liliana,10 and Ariella, 8, said, “It was really cool. The trampolines, tea cups and climbing tower were really fun and I really liked the food,” and their brother, Sammy, age 6 added, “I liked the police car and shows, we had a lot of fun.”
Speaking after the event, Amy Woolf, Chair Jewish Care Families and Jewish Care Trustee, said, “It was wonderful to see so many families having a brilliant day out at the Jewish Care Family Fun Day today. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard, all of our volunteers and also everyone who came along to support us to make it such a great success.
“We’re pleased that the funds we’ve raised will help to enhance the lives of the residents at Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House at Sandringham,” continued Amy. “During Covid-19 pandemic, especially before we had the vaccine, the carers and housekeeping team selflessly put the resident’s wellbeing and safety before their own everyday and the staff’s love, care and dedication to the residents’ across Jewish Care is inspiring for us all.”
Adam Overlander-Kaye, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Community Engagement, added, “It was a totally brilliant event and was wonderful to see so many people across the generations having a fun day whilst raising much needed funds for Jewish Care’s Anita Dorfman House care home at Sandringham. Huge thanks to the committee, all the volunteers and professional team for their hard work in making the day such a success. Thank you to all the schools who took part and to all those across the whole community for supporting the event and making it the biggest one ever.”
Ben Barbanel from OakNorth Bank, who kindly sponsored the event, said, “OakNorth Bank was delighted to sponsor this fantastic Family Fun Day and to support Jewish Care, which does amazing work in supporting older people across the community. We’re so pleased that the day was a huge success and enjoyed by so many people.”
Photos by Grainge Photography
