Toy drive in memory of ‘dedicated’ nursery teacher who died from cancer

Family and friends of a young Orthodox Jewish woman from Golders Green who passed away last year have launched an initiative to give free toys and games to families in need.

Suri Dubiner, the former deputy head of the nursery at Pardes House, was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and passed away seven months later, in April last year, aged 34.

Suri loved children and friends this week launched Simchas Suri as “a fitting tribute” to a young woman who used to spend her free time touring markets and car-boot sales looking for toys and toy furniture for the children.

“She was so dedicated,” said a family friend this week. “She’d even buy second-hand toys and spend hours cleaning them so they looked like new. She was completely devoted to the children so this is a fitting tribute to her memory.”

The toys and games will be given to families who, for one reason or another, cannot purchase toys for their children, perhaps due to financial or other constraint.

“The toys and games will be given, not loaned, and we will not ask for your name or any details. Just leave a message saying what kind of toys you want, the age of your children and how many toys you would need,” said the family’s spokeswoman.

“All toys will be wrapped up and sent by taxi to an address of your choice (anywhere in the UK) at a time of your choosing.”

The initiative is in its very early stages, and the family is yet to register Simchas Suri as a charity, but well-wishers are already donating either toys in excellent condition or money to buy toys and games.

Anyone wanting to contact the initiative to donate or request can email simchassuri@gmail.com or text/call 07983 153 342.