Residents of an Ilford nursing home were treated to a sing-song today by staff from The Recorder - all in aid of Mitzvah Day.

Ilford Recorder: Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks dancing with a residentMitzvah Day founder Laura Marks dancing with a resident (Image: Archant)

To celebrate the day of social action and giving within the community, Editor Chris Carter led a team to Seabrooke Manor in Lavender Place, Ilford, to provide some afternoon entertainment.

Steven Day of the Kenneth More theatre was also on hand to play keyboard and lead the performance, as the elderly crowd joined in with old favourites including Maybe It’s Because I’m A Londoner.

Manager Nelly Sooben believes Mitzvah Day provides a great deal of support for care homes like Seabrooke Manor.

She said: “The residents enjoy singing and dancing. A lot of them are dementia sufferers and they always respond well to music.

“Mitvah Day gives everybody the chance to give some of their time to care homes or schools. Some people don’t even know we are here, so it is a great opportunity to make people aware.”

Also in attendance was founder of Mitzvah Day, Laura Marks, who started the charity in 2005.

“The idea came out of the belief that we can do something to improve the world and bring people together,” said Laura.

“Although it started as a Jewish charity, it soon expanded because I believe communities should all come together.”

The charity is going from strength to strength and this year the day, which is on November 17, will be celebrated in over 20 countries.

Chris Carter is a keen supporter of the day.

He said: “Mitzvah Day is a great initiative and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part again this year.”

“It was a pleasure to meet the residents at Seabrooke Manor and I hope they were entertained by our sing-along.”