Boy turns 10th birthday into day of good deeds for mental health charity

A young Jewish boy from Borehamwood is turning his 10th birthday party into a day of doing good, roping friends into restoring old bicycles and furniture for charity.

Meir Levison decided to celebrate his tenth birthday with social action charity Mitzvah Day, which also celebrates its tenth anniversary next month.

The 20 youngsters will get to grips with old bikes at a warehouse run by the Jewish mental health charity Jami, after the charity’s head of social enterprise spoke at Meir’s mum’s shul.

“His talk was so inspiring that I thought perhaps we could approach him about Meir’s party,” said mum Caroline. “He was really enthusiastic about the idea and has put together a plan for the party that should be really fun for the kids.

“I didn’t realise it was Mitzvah Day’s 10th birthday too until I saw a logo when looking for images for the invitation, so it just makes it even more special.”

Meir said: “We found out that Mitzvah Day was on my birthday this year. I enjoyed helping collect food and other items outside Waitrose last year, so this year I wanted to do something for Mitzvah Day at the same time as celebrating my birthday.

“We went to the Jami warehouse to see the bikes and it looked like a cool place to have my party.”

The children will spend Sunday 18 November upcycling and restoring, as well as making celebration and greetings cards out of donated materials.

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