Sweet Sixteen’s Special Gifts

Naturally, with the first day of Chanukah on Sunday, December 9, 2012, there was no shortage of programs throughout the greater Toronto area, still, one stood out as most inspirational and certainly worthy of recognition.

Some 50 children with special needs, their siblings and a brigade of volunteers gathered to celebrate. The special children were treated to the preverbal, “child in a toy store” experience.

Upon entering the social hall at the Chabad Lubavitch Community Centre, the children with wide open eyes gazed at three tables decked and brimming with toys and games of value and significance.

This was made possible by the thoughtfulness of two girls Adina Sugar and Elyse Kererer who earlier this year celebrated their “sweet sixteen.” Rather than be the recipients of unneeded gifts and gadgets they invited all their friends to a party with instructions to bring a gift that will be given to a youngster with special needs. Indeed the program coordinators Esther and Goldy Grossbaum insisted that the birthday girls be present to witness firsthand how their act of kindness brought joy and happiness to so many special needs children.

The program began with a musical sing along led by Ariella Goldberg strumming on her guitar. The auditorium assumed a carnival atmosphere with numerous fun stuff and game challenges. This was truly a hand’s on program where the youngsters filled and decorated their donuts before indulging. Being sensitive to the few children who dislike loud noise there was a “quiet room” available where they were kept busy with a variety of calm activities.

In addition to the carnival booth games and the jumping castle the room was abuzz with lively interaction between all the participants and guests. Indeed for some of the guests this was their first exposure to the Friendship Circle and upon seeing firsthand the wonderful work graciously elected to offer some Chanukah Gelt to help sustain the program.