Mitzvah Day launched its 2022 campaign in Manchester at a Bowdon Shul event attended by local faith and civic leaders and promoting this year’s theme of Winter Warmers.

The idea is to engage in activities providing physical and emotional warmth to those in need, Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond told guests.

“We can’t fix the world in one day. But we can use Mitzvah Day and our Winter Warmers as a focus for building long-term relationships between people of different faiths and backgrounds — and between communities or people and charities that desperately need our help.”

The charity chose a Manchester venue for the launch to highlight the importance that communities outside of London play in the success of Mitzvah Day in the UK.

It was organised in partnership with the Board of Deputies, which was represented by regional manager Sara Radivan and deputies including Jeremy Michaelson, Owen Power and Esty Bruck. Board president Marie van der Zyl compliments Mitzvah Day for encapsulating “the Jewish imperative to give generously of our time and possessions to relieve suffering in the world, reflecting our own commitment to social action and social justice”.

Other launch guests included the Mayor of Stockport and church representatives.

The keynote speaker was Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar of Manchester City Council, who stressed the importance of interfaith work, highlighting his personal example of not having met a Jewish person until he was in his 20s.

Other speakers included representatives of the Wellspring homeless charity and guests helped pack bags of essentials for people it supports.

More than 25,000 volunteers in the UK and another 15,000 worldwide are expected to take part in this year’s Mitzvah Day on and around November 20.