On the 19th of May 2023 the Australian Jewish News, to commemorate National Volunteer Week, profiled a selection of volunteers from the Sydney and Melbourne communities to celebrate their contributions. Ruth Shteinman chair of NCJW NSW Days for Girls was chosen as one of those in Sydney who give their time and passion to causes they believe in.
A few years ago on a significant birthday, Ruth Shteinman was on the lookout for a worthy cause to support instead of gifts. Maxine Bachmayer, then co-president of National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) NSW, told her about an organisation making reusable sanitary kits for women and girls in need called Days For Girls.
“At the time I had no idea about the extent of ‘period poverty’ and I was shocked by numbers: 500 million worldwide,” Shteinman said.
“We organised an event at NCJWA which was very successful. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and sons worked together at communal tables, and many components were made.”
She was encouraged to establish the Days for Girls committee.
“That has grown and brought me together with some fantastic, smart women,” she said.
“Our events have also put me in contact with many members of our community and beyond. It is so heartening to see the enthusiasm and energy that so many of our volunteers bring to this work.”
She recalled when lockdowns started, a close friend with experience in fashion production helped her set up a secure system to replace events that had to be canceled.
“We called it our Make-at-Home project. Literally within hours 70 volunteers had signed up as homebound makers, or to deliver kits to dispersed volunteers,” Shteinman said.
“The volume produced was immense, and there was appreciative feedback about the opportunity to turn isolation into worthwhile work. “Now working bees again take place at NCJW every school holiday, plus we have a monthly making group. Make-at-Home still continues for those who it suits best.”
She said volunteers are welcome to share all of their talents and interests, “because input comes in many shades. “Everyone you work with is also a volunteer,” she added. “Sometimes human connections can be as vital as the social goal.”
Everyone you work with is also a volunteer,” she added. “Sometimes human connections can be as vital as the social goal.”
A few years ago on a significant birthday, Ruth Shteinman was on the lookout for a worthy cause to support instead of gifts. Maxine Bachmayer, then co-president of National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) NSW, told her about an organisation making reusable sanitary kitsfor women and girls in need called Days For Girls.
“At the time I had no idea about the extent of ‘period poverty’ and I was shocked by the numbers: 500 million worldwide,” Shteinman said.
“We organised an event at NCJWA which was very successful. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and sons worked together at communal tables, and many components were made.”
She was encouraged to establish the Days for Girls committee.
“That has grown and brought me together with some fantastic, smart women,” she said.
“Our events have also put me in contact with many members of our community and beyond. It is so heartening to see the enthusiasm and energy that so many of our volunteers bring to this work.” She recalled when lockdowns started, a close friend with experience in fashion production helped her set up a secure system to replace events that had to be canceled. “We called it our Make-at-Home project.
Literally within hours 70 volunteers had signed up as homebound makers, or to deliver kits to dispersed volunteers,” Shteinman said. “The volume produced was immense, and there was appreciative feedback about the opportunity to turn isolation into worthwhile work.
“Now working bees again take place at NCJWA every school holidays, plus we have a monthly making group. Make-at-Home still continues for those who it suits best.”
She said volunteers are welcome to share all of their talents and interests, “because input comes in many shades.
“Everyone you work with is also a volunteer,” she added. “Sometimes human connections can be as vital as the social goal.”
