Jewish Care

Jewish Care’s mobile shop goes on the road

Jewish Care’s connect@kenton day service was the first stop for a mobile shop bringing kosher goods and basic groceries to centre members. The converted ambulance, fitted out during last year’s Mitzvah Day, is driven by a team of volunteers who also act as shop assistants.

This visit was the first time that volunteer coordinator Clare Lesser had driven the bus – “You just go very slowly,” she said jokingly. Parked on the forecourt of Kenton Synagogue where the charity’s Monday connect@ service takes place, centre members queued eagerly to buy rye bread, smoked salmon, pickled cucumbers and other groceries such as cakes, sweets and biscuits.

Centre member Sheila Solomon is no stranger to the retail trade, having served in Keene’s bread shop in nearby Preston Road for 18 years. She said: “I’ve been coming to connect@ since it opened and before that I went to Sobell. They pick me up and bring me here, I really enjoy it. Having the shop as well is a very good idea.”

Another satisfied customer was Mrs Solomon’s friend, Anne Fleischman, who bought a loaf of bread. “This is very convenient. I’m pleased to come to connect@. The food is wonderful and the people are marvellous. We go to talks and discussions and play kalooki. Everyone is so nice.”

The mobile shop was also a hit with volunteers. “It is very good, especially for people who can’t get out,” said Judy Weider.

The shop will also visit other connect@centres including Hendon and St John’s Wood.