Maccabi Tel Aviv fans who chose to contribute the vouchers they received from the club saw their donation help fund a summer camp for children living in new immigrant "absorption" centres
During the last two weeks of July a summer camp was held for about 70 children aged 6 to 14 living at the Ayelet HaShachar and Meron Cnaan new immigrant absorption centres. In most cases, children living in absorption centres cannot afford the summer camps held by the kibbutzim in their area. But now, thanks to the donations of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, they woke up every morning and went to camp, just like the rest of Israel's children enjoying their summer holiday. The donations were collected through the compensation vouchers sent to fans last season, offering them the option of depositing their vouchers with the Maccabim Association, which invests in Israeli children nationwide, especially in the more disadvantaged areas of the country.
The camp opened in the morning and went on until noon. The children were divided into four age groups and they participated in 4 activities every day: swimming lessons, football practice, computer class and the absorption centres' preparatory classes for their settlement in their new country. Many of the children learned how to swim for the first time. At first, the instructor focused on just getting them used to being in the water and some of the rules they need to follow in a swimming pool. Later the children went on to learn the basics of swimming for survival in the water. And now that they know how to swim and what the rules are in the swimming pool they can continue to enjoy this favourite of all summertime Israeli activities for years to come.
The children had a great time and showed up enthusiastically every morning! And now they just can't wait for next summer . . .
Thanks to all of the generous donors!
