Fundraising drive in memory of Camp Simcha volunteer

A fundraiser launched in memory of a Camp Simcha volunteer who died in 2016 has raised over £750 to bring lockdown activity packs to families affected by a serious childhood illness.

Arts and craft supplies and other activity packs have already gone out to families supported by the Jewish charity Camp Simcha, thanks to public donations raised on Just Giving by mother and daughter Denise and Nicole Birley to honour their former colleague Shira Lanning.

“Shira had a genuine love and passion for working with people,” Nicole said. “With her warm smile and gentle nature, she touched many lives and brought a smile to everyone that she met.”

“Shira always made time to listen and support those around her, volunteering at Camp Simcha to bring smiles to children the charity supports,” she added.

Denise, meanwhile, thanked Camp Simcha and all the donors who “have already contributed so generously” to the appeal.

The charity’s head of services Daniel Gillis described the initiative as a “very fitting” legacy and paid tribute to the “lovely girl who truly brought smiles to children’s faces at Camp Simcha.”

“We have been sending in arts, crafts, slime kits, gardening packs and other activities and it is making a real difference for families at a very stressful and frightening time. We have had some wonderful feedback, telling us what a boost it has been for the children and therefore for the parents too,” he said.

To donate to the campaign,  you can visit the web page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sharing-shiras-smile.