Young World Jewish Relief supporters broke the ice for its Operation Winter Survival campaign by “releasing” a symbolic pair of frozen wellington boots.

The youngsters were promoting the charity’s annual Walk for Warmth in Highgate Woods on November 4 in support of OWS, helping needy clients in the former Soviet Union, where winter temperatures regularly drop to minus 35 degrees.

WJR fundraising director Paul Stein pointed out that “in countries such as Belarus, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, Jewish communities struggle to afford the vital necessities — heating, shelter and food. Thousands of people rely on the support of World Jewish Relief to survive.”

He added that £35 could fund repairs to dilapidated doors and windows, essential for keeping warm in winter. A winter food package for someone left isolated by the freezing temperatures costs £70.

Over the past three years, a combined £100,000-plus has been raised for OWS, helping thousands of people. Supporters have previously been encouraged to donate clothes, blankets and other necessary items but this time the focus is monetary, with a £50,000 target.

At the campaign launch, Edgware nine-year-old Robin Albert said: “We are going to wear our wellies for Walk for Warmth to raise money for people who need help to survive the cold weather and aren’t as lucky as we are.”