Volunteers celebrate giving back at fourth annual GIVEFEST

More than 800 people of all ages took part in social action charity GIFT’s family fun day on Bank Holiday Monday.

The 4th annual GIVEFEST was filled with activities and volunteering opportunities themed around Israel, organised by 80 supporters including many teens who chose to spend their day giving back to the community.

GIVEFEST 2024 featured a variety of interactive stalls highlighting the importance of volunteering and helping Israel, including encouraging participants to make personal commitments to acts of kindness, creating awareness and support for those taken hostage with Bring Them Home badges, crafting candles to show solidarity and support for Israeli soldiers and making art to support Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

The event also offered henna art, face painting, hair braiding, glitter tattoos and a carnival zone complete with rides and inflatables inspired by famous Israeli landmarks such as the Beit Guvrin Caves, inflatable camel rides, Masada base jump, and a dedicated toddler zone.

A special “People Who Help Us” area was also set up, featuring demonstrations and interactions with essential community services including Hatzola and Good Egg Medical.

GIFT founding director Michelle Barnett said: “Across London, Manchester, and Israel, GIFT inspires giving. We know that being kind or helping others isn’t something that happens automatically. It is a mindset that needs to be taught, nurtured, and encouraged, so that present and future generations are imbued with this core tenet of Judaism.

“We are immensely grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers and generous supporters; through you, we are able to inspire and enable lifelong giving, creating a community that is engaged, supported, and empowered by the gift of giving.”

GIVEFEST is coming to Manchester on Sunday 23rd June. To book YOUR tickets, click here.