Help Jewish Care spread smiles

FOR the first time ever, Jewish Care Victoria’s annual appeal will include a dedicated social media campaign – #5000smiles – as part of the theme of people using “emojis” to express their feelings.

Running until June 30, the appeal hopes to raise $3 million for the organisation’s community services which currently receive little to no financial support from the government.

“There are a whole set of challenges which impact our community – domestic violence, disability, mental health, suicide and unemployment,” Jewish Care general manager Mark Joel said.

“Crisis happens in our community every day, and when crisis hits, in an instant – the life of a family or an individual can become altered.”

Jewish Care is hoping to reach its target of at least 5000 people through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, encouraging thousands of people to send an emoji smile to someone to show they care. Through these messages, the organisation hopes to spread happiness to loved ones who may need cheering up. All participants are encouraged to use the tag #5000smiles as part of their social media posts.

Through a range of advertising and three short videos, the annual appeal will use emojis to convey the message and emotions relating to vital issues that need attention, namely the more than 5000 people Jewish Care supports each year, family violence and housing, poverty and homelessness.

All three videos share a message of community support, encouraging everyone to band together to help those in a less fortunate position.

“Your donation will help support one life at a time and as we are taught by the Jewish tradition – each life is a world, each world reliant upon the community’s support,” Joel said.

With the funds raised from last year’s annual appeal, Jewish Care was able to assist more than 500 individuals and families with financial aid, provided critical short-term housing to 171 people, placed 175 unemployed people into a secure job and provided 23,000 hours of care to children and adults with a disability at its respite centre.

Joel said it is in times of stress, pressure and unfortunate circumstances when “the organisation to which so many people in our community turn to at these moments is Jewish Care”.

To donate to the appeal, visit  www.jewishcare.org.au/donate or call 1800 JEWISH (1800 539 474).

DANIEL SHANDLER