(live here) – This is the seventh year that the magical and exciting "Rolling Costumes" project has been taking place, and it continues to create records of magic and joy in the hearts of children in wheelchairs. The project, which began in Haifa, is the largest in the world in its field, with approximately 250 unique and spectacular costumes that turn a wheelchair from a limitation into an advantage.
Community, creativity and giving
Beyond the beauty and uniqueness of the costumes, the project embodies values of human connection, community involvement, and volunteerism. The initiative brings together volunteers, professionals, and families, empowering children with disabilities and transforming the wheelchair from a limitation into a source of pride and joy.
'Halak Association' and the "Rolling Costumes" project
The holiday of Purim brings with it joy, creativity, and humor, but for children with mobility disabilities, finding an appropriate costume can be a significant challenge.
This is where the Halak Association comes into the picture with the "Rolling Costumes" project, an exciting initiative that makes the holiday accessible and joyful for everyone. This is a story about a united community, volunteerism, and a vision that comes true every year.
In preparation for the holiday, Haifa becomes a hub of creativity and giving, as young and old volunteers join forces to design customized costumes for children in wheelchairs and walkers. This project allows every child to fulfill their dreams and be part of the Purim celebrations with full equality.
A community project that changes perceptions
The "Rolling Costumes" project was born out of the desire to provide an equal and empowering experience for children with physical disabilities, but over the years it has become much more than that – a community-educational initiative with a wide impact.
The "Hal"k" (Community Volunteer Education) association, which is leading the project, emphasizes not only the creation of spectacular costumes, but also a significant educational process. For participants, this is an opportunity to learn about the values of giving, equality, and cooperation, as children, families, volunteers, and youth take part in the exciting activity and connect through creation.
The home that became a center of creation and giving
The main event of the "Rolling Costumes" project takes place at the Ben Shabtai family home, the home of Michal Ben Shabtai, chairman of the Halak Association, which has become a vibrant hub of activity and an equipment warehouse for the project.
Michal Ben Shabtai, the living spirit behind the project, leads the work in Haifa with a strong hand. Together with her family, she opens their home to volunteers from all over the region, who come to help, design, and create with a true sense of mission.
This house is where parents, children and volunteers – from the age of five and up – meet to work together on costumes customized for children with disabilities. For example, this year, kindergarten and elementary school children helped make jewelry for the “Jewelry Seller” costume, which was intended for a girl from the “Ofakim” school – an educational institution for children with complex disabilities, which the association regularly adopts.
Custom-made costumes
When imagination becomes reality: costumes handmade with love
The costumes are handmade using simple and accessible materials, such as cardboard, fabrics, and recycled plastic. Each costume is customized for a boy or girl, with maximum comfort, creativity, and accessibility in mind.
Each participant chooses a costume in advance according to their imagination and physical abilities, while the volunteers put in the utmost effort to make the dream a reality. For example, in 2021, despite the restrictions of the Corona virus, the volunteers managed to produce 140 unique costumes for children with special needs across the country.
This year, as every year, a whole community of volunteers comes together to transform wheelchairs into magical vehicles – from race cars, horse-drawn carriages and fairytale castles, to especially creative costumes like a spectacular model of the Taj Mahal. The project gives every child the opportunity to be the character of their dreams, while maintaining full customization to their unique needs.
Schools join in creating costumes
Many elementary schools in Haifa contribute by creating costumes and accessories. The collaboration with students and educational teams adds creativity and community to the project.
The costumes and accessories are collected at the home of Michal Ben Shabtai, who has transformed her home into an art studio. The children's rooms have been transformed into storage and creative spaces, illustrating the personal investment in the project.
Collaboration with the largest companies in the economy
It's not just children and private families who participate in the creation – companies like Intel and Apple are also taking an active part. The companies organize volunteer events for their employees, where they help assemble the costumes, add accessories, and create customized models.
In addition, employees are recruited for more challenging tasks, and the companies donate funds to the association to ensure the continuation of the activity, which is carried out entirely on a voluntary basis and at no cost to the participants and the children who receive the costumes.
Entire classes at home
One of the highlights of the project is the participation of entire classes in the volunteer activity. For example, the sixth grade class from the Herzl School in Carmelia turned Michal's house into an improvised workshop for an entire evening.
During the activity, the students experienced the creative process up close and took part in a project that emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community.
Turning a limitation into an opportunity: Costumes that empower the child
The essence of the project is to make the wheelchair or walker the center of the costume and not a limitation. The goal is to make children feel special, empowered and equal. Each costume is sewn so that the child not only feels comfortable about the look, but also enjoys the viewing experience, with an emphasis on aesthetics and creativity.
The project is based on an empowering concept, in which the wheelchair becomes an integral part of the costume. For example, a girl in a wheelchair can become a candy queen or a race car driver, and a boy can be a personal visit to the Taj Mahal – each costume is customized and turns the disadvantage into an advantage.
Expanding volunteering: everyone can take part
This year, the activity is expanding beyond schools and inviting families and neighborhoods to join in on a voluntary basis. The central motto is that anyone can take part, free of charge, and be a partner in creating magical costumes for children with disabilities. For example, one family chose to mark the anniversary of the family's mother, a costume enthusiast, by creating a special costume for the project.
The initiative proves every year that giving is not just an act of kindness – it is a way of life. Thanks to the combination of children, parents, teachers, friends and entire neighborhoods, the project succeeds in expanding the boundaries of inclusion and equality and creating a happy and equitable Purim holiday for all.
Looking for a dream home: need a supportive hand
Michal Ben Shabtai and her husband Daniel are passionate about inspiring community activities. Every year, Daniel takes almost a month off from work to accompany Michal in the volunteer work she leads. This year, however, the challenges have increased, and the two realize that in order to continue, they will have to find new solutions – perhaps with help from another source.
Beyond the challenges of time, Michal is looking for a solution to the shortage of space. Two rooms in her private home, next to the warehouse, are dedicated to the organization's activities, and the need for additional space is becoming increasingly urgent. Michal dreams of a warehouse or dedicated space and hopes to find people who can offer free space. "It doesn't make sense for our entire house to become one big warehouse," she says frankly.
The equipment and materials for the activities come from several companies such as Intel, Apple in Haifa, and HP in Kiryat Gat, but it is clear to her that in order to continue, she will need additional partners: sponsors, generous donors, and good people who can donate creative materials. In the meantime, she continues to hope for a phone call that will bring news: "Hey, I have a free warehouse for you."
A vision for an equitable and inclusive society
"Rolling Costumes" is more than a project – it is a vision for a more inclusive and equal society. When children learn the value of volunteering from a young age, they become more ethical adults who continue to act for the benefit of others.
The more people who join the initiative, the more we can ensure that more children will experience the Purim holiday like everyone else – with a special costume, a big smile, and true joy.
Why don't we appeal to the mayor and the Ministry of Education to allocate a space for this welcome activity?
many thanks
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