On August 23rd, Abigail Saltman took a leap from the skies at 10,000ft in a Skydive to fundraise for Jewish Care’s new development in Redbridge.
Saltman, 18, is a senior leader in Jewish Care’s MIKE youth leadership programme which motivates, inspires, and educates young people in Redbridge and is celebrating its 40th year since it began. Jewish Care is soon to launch the MIKE programme in Stanmore/Bushey borders at Jewish Care’s Sandringham campus.
Abi says, “I have decided it’s about time I overcame my fear of heights and have chosen to jump 10,000ft out of a plane to fundraise for the new community campus that will support the local community.
“I have been involved in Jewish Care for the past five years, with their MIKE leadership scheme. It’s an amazing programme and is enabling young people to be the next generation of leaders. It has given me the confidence to run workshops for young children, represent my school and speak at public events, and the opportunity to volunteer and support others.”
Last year, Abi won the Jack Petchey Achievement Award at the MIKE Youth Leadership Awards. She has been volunteering in the community for several years and helps with multiple different charities. She has also instigated fortnightly ‘lunch and do’ sessions within her school, King Solomon High School, supported by GIFT. This enables the students at King Solomon High School to give back to the community through charity-based activities. Last year Abi got to sit on the panel representing the UK at the World Jewish Congress’ Jewish Youth Assembly.
Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement, Adam Overlander-Kaye says, “It’s fantastic that Abigail is going to take the plunge in a Skydive to raise funds for Jewish Care and I’d like to say a big thank you to her on behalf of Jewish Care.
“Abigail has already made a huge impact on young people, the wider community and her peers, making the most of her leadership skills to improve the lives of others. Her bravery to overcome her fear of heights to fundraise for charity is inspiring and we wish Abigail the very best of luck in her challenge.”
The organisation is planning the new development to meet the needs of the East London and Essex Jewish community on the site of the current Redbridge Jewish Community Centre. The site will comprse of a community centre space which will house a centre for people living with dementia, along with a 66-bed care home, which the current Vi & John Rubens House in Gants Hill will relocate to. The Social Work and Community Support team as well as Meals on Wheels teams will be based on the site too.
You can sponsor Abigail’s Skydive here:
If you would like to find out more about taking part in a Challenge event for Jewish Care, call Alexandra on 020 8922 2806 or email events@jcare.org or visit https://jewishcare.org/get-involved/take-on-a-challenge