Theresa Villiers, Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet, took part in Mitzvah Day this Sunday by helping out in a charity shop in Barnet High Street run by Noah's Ark Children's Hospice.
Mitzvah Day is an annual event when thousands of people volunteer to help others, coming together to donate time and energy to various social action projects in their local communities: approximately 40,000 people took part.
Theresa has taken part in Mitzvah Day for several years, and this year joined the Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade (JGLB) in helping out at the Noah’s Ark shop. JLGB are a society that helps young people from the Jewish community to reach their potential through active citizenship.
David Kurash, one of the organisers of Mitzvah Day for Barnet Band JLGB, said: “Mitzvah Day is an opportunity to help others practically, without having to raise money: anyone can take part, whether they are singing in a shopping centre, helping out the Noah’s Ark shop, baking cakes – whatever their talents are. Thanks go to Theresa Villiers for taking part and showing her support.”
Theresa Villiers said: “I welcome Mitzvah Day, and the chance for people to give something back. Throughout my years of taking part in Mitzvah Day, I am always hugely impressed by the effort and energy people across Barnet put into helping others on this special day. I welcome that fact that what started out as an initiative from the Jewish community has proved to be so popular that it has broadened to include a range of other faith communities. I would like to thank all those who took part, and encourage everyone to get involved in Mitzvah Day in the future”.