$110k Raised For New Center

By COLlive staff

Championing the indomitable spirit of modern Judaism, the community of Chabad Lubavitch Buckhurst Hill, UK, have announced a tremendous achievement after raising over £70,000 (close to $110,000) through a recent fundraising campaign.

The funds will be used to open the doors of a new Chabad House and Community Centre on Queens Road in the centre of Buckhurst Hill.

Led by the respected local Shluchim Rabbi Odom and Henny Brandman, dedicated people and businesses have come together to realize their long standing dream.

On returning to West Essex – his place of birth – in 2006, the Rabbi responded to a lack of facilities by opening his own front room as a temporary Synagogue and place to seek support and guidance.

More recently all manner of activities and celebrations have been welcomed in a temporary site on Princes Road – but activities such as children’s groups had to be conducted in corridors and on the stairwell due to lack of space.

Now, with the support of local marketing agency Sellcomms, the renovation of a new 1,400 sq ft space in a new development nearly completed on Queens Rd has been made possible after businesses, schools and residents came together last Thursday for a Gala Fundraising Dinner hosted free of charge by the Prince Regent Hotel, Chigwell.

A total of £70,000 was raised on the night and leading up to the event. Chabad Lubavitch’s new home will include a purpose fitted kitchen, children’s area and dedicated Synagogue.

Sellcomms contributed by donating a marketing plan, fundraising resources and an advertising campaign.

Spencer Cohen, Executive Director of Sellcomms, testifies to his delight at being involved.

“This is an incredible achievement, which has happened despite a backdrop of financial challenges,” he says. “It’s thrilling to see people coming together, overcoming these obstacles, and taking positive action to shape the future of their community. I find it exciting to be able to support the people who are taking the initiative to make exciting things happen on their own doorstep under their own steam.”

“In a multi-cultural society the role of modern Judaism has never been so important,” Rabbi Brandman explains. “We strive to reach out to a wide spectrum of West Essex residents, no matter what their faith. This community centre will be a thriving hub of friendship for everyone in the Buckhurst Hill community. The doors will be open to anyone seeking support, companionship, practical assistance, education, guidance – or simply the warmth of contact with their friends and neighbours.”

The community centre site is expected to be completed and open its doors in August 2012.