Raising money for Israel
“By engaging these kids in looming our goal is to inject joy, colour and creativity into the lives of Israeli children whose mums or dads are courageously facing challenges in Gaza or back home."
An idea born in a seven-year-old’s bedroom has blossomed into a heart-warming display of community spirit. It began on October 14 when Talya Rotman walked into her daughter’s room with a proposition, “Let’s raise money for Israel.”
Realising they needed assistance to bring their idea to life and eager to engage the next generation in the fundraising, Rotman and her daughter reached out to her school friends who enthusiastically joined in.
The crucial item in this initiative is the humble loom band, a single rubber circle transformed into a bracelet when hand linked.
Using loom bands as a symbol of creativity, connection and compassion, Rotman and her two daughters and members of the Melbourne community turned a modest weekend project into a powerful movement to enrich the lives of Israeli children financially and emotionally in the aftermath of October 7.
Rotman said, “Amid orders flooding in, laughter, and new skills learned, Loom for Life emerged.”
The children made and sold over 1000 loom bracelets, proudly raising over $8170. One hundred per cent of the funds were donated to Magen David Adom, United Israel Appeal, Arava Project and CSG for their respective causes. A portion of Arava’s donation was utilised by one of their volunteers to create food workshops for over 30 displaced Israeli kids living on the Gaza border.
The children helped harvest and cook the ingredients from the kitchen garden and then feasted on a delicious meal together.
Considering the ongoing bracelet situation, Loom for Life’s outreach expanded to supply a small number of loom bands directly to children in Israel, providing them with a source of positivity and engagement.
Rotman said, “By engaging these kids in looming our goal is to inject joy, colour and creativity into the lives of Israeli children whose mums or dads are courageously facing challenges in Gaza or back home. They are now actively participating in looming and selling bracelets while channelling their efforts into fundraising for their community.”
Building on the success, another initiative, Loom for Light, was launched late last year. During a special eight-day event over Chanukah, students, teachers, grandparents and adults with special needs from the Victorian Jewish community, connected over 11,000 blue and white loom bands currently being curated as a mural.
Rotman said, “This loom band mural represents a beautiful tapestry of unity, hope and the collective effort of our community, our valued donors and all those contributing to making a positive impact.”
The current aim for the mural is to secure an additional $18,000 for WIZO Victoria to construct a new sensory-motor room in an Israeli day-care centre. This will provide support to children navigating trauma, addressing a pressing need in the current situation in Israel. Rotman stressed that Loom for Life is not just about crafting or raising money, it is about building connections, providing a positive focus and fostering a sense of togetherness.
To donate to the WIZO Victoria sensory-motor room go to – tinyurl.com/yfxkwubf
Contributions of any chai ($18) denomination to the mural are welcomed.
Alternatively, donate $180 to own an entire loom row with your contribution acknowledged on the artwork.
Contributions are fully tax deductible. Follow @kidsloomforlife on Instagram or email talya@rotman.com.au
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