You’re hired! Lord Sugar appears in Apprentice-style video for shul fundraiser

Lord Sugar has ‘hired’ members of Chigwell and Hainault synagogue to support the refurbishment of the community’s building after recording an Apprentice-style skit to set the challenge.

The billionaire businessman and member of the shul challenged congregants to think of innovative ways to raise money – and match his family’s generous £600,000 donation to support the community.

In an Apprentice-themed clip, released ahead of this weekend’s fundraising drive, he says: “I’ve been hearing about the need to refurbish the shul and bring it up to standards for the 2020s.

“It’s been a workhorse for serving the community – but needs overhauling.”

“It’s a big task, which is why I ask Kevin and Colin to set up teams – teams that will raise the remaining funds, needed to get this project done.”

The light-hearted video shows two teams from the shul arriving with suitcases, brainstorming ideas to raise money, including offering free cholent and kugel for each donation and selling lost property.

Lindsay Shure, Chair of Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue, said: “We are delighted to share our very special fundraising video with the community and we’re very grateful to Lord Sugar for taking part and to him and his family for their extremely generous gift.

“But behind the entertaining film is a serious message: we have a huge amount to raise to transform our community for the coming decades and we need all our members to play their part.

“We have managed to secure a number of significant donations already and we’re asking the community to be as generous as they can this weekend.”