Chavivim Melbourne unveils first response vehicle

Chavivim Melbourne recently unveiled its first community response vehicle at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Cheder Levi Yitzchok in St Kilda.

The volunteer organisation provides free assistance for non-medical emergencies and practical situations, including vehicle and home lockouts, flat tyres, roadside breakdowns, flooding and safety incidents.

The vehicle was sponsored by the Yosef Moshe Fogal family, with members of the local community funding its specialised equipment. It will also be used for the organisation’s Shabbat and Yom Tov patrols in Melbourne’s Jewish community.

Guests at the event included Caulfield MP David Southwick, Glen Eira mayor Simone Zmood, JCCV president Philip Zajac, Victoria Police officers, SES representatives and leaders of community and not-for-profit organisations.

Chavivim began in Brooklyn, New York, as a WhatsApp group of volunteers helping local community members. According to the organisation, it now operates in 13 locations with more than 750 volunteers worldwide.