Smile On Seniors announce Charidy campaign
Smile On Seniors services more than 250 Jewish seniors across 12 non-Jewish facilities in Melbourne, with approximately 500 young volunteers, and collaborations with groups, schools and organisations.
Smile On Seniors’ newest initiative, spearheaded and sponsored by Bindy and David Koadlow as well as other donors, is its Holocaust Survivor Support Program. The program sees volunteers paired with local Holocaust survivors, to offer them regular and personalised visits and support, every fortnight at a minimum.
Since 2016, Smile On Seniors’ mission has been to bring joy, connection and support to Jewish seniors in Melbourne, with the aim to bring an extra level of love, support and friendship to people at a vulnerable stage in their lives.
Smile On Seniors services more than 250 Jewish seniors across 12 non-Jewish facilities in Melbourne, with approximately 500 young volunteers, and collaborations with groups, schools and organisations.
David Koadlow, the mind behind the Holocaust Survivor Support Program, was motivated to create this program after witnessing the lack of essential support his mother had, after losing the majority of her family in the Holocaust.
“Unfortunately, many Holocaust survivors are grappling with this challenge, and even those with family support can often use some extra friendship,” he said.
“We feel privileged to be able to help fill this need, and we hope to continue expanding the program to reach many more Holocaust survivors.”
Smile On Seniors launched a Charidy campaign on June 4, to raise funds for this new initiative and its other programs. Donations will go towards bridging the gap between young volunteers and the senior generation, provide essential companionship to seniors, and give them a sense of connection to their heritage and community.
To support Smile On Seniors in its Charidy campaign, visit charidy.com/smiles
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