A CULTURAL cross-section of the community is being encouraged to give up their time to carry out a good deed.

Organisers of this year's Mitzvah Day are looking to generate support from all faiths and religions who can organise activities that will benefit a worthy cause.

Despite being seen previously as a predominately Jewish event, founder Laura Marks believes the mission behind the day appeals to everyone.

“All faiths believe in doing good,” she said.

“It's one of the things that underlies all religions and therefore Mitzvah day becomes a very easy playing field.

“We're not asking people to do anything that isn't actually in line with what they do anyway. All these religious groups are already out there doing social action. It's an easy step to ask people to do it together.”

Mitzvah Day, on November 15, coincides with the start of Inter Faith Week, which aims to promote better relations and understanding between all groups in society.

And Ms Marks encouraged faith leaders to come together to work on community projects. She suggests a synagogue could carry out one or more of their projects in conjunction with groups from churches, mosques or Hindu temples, and added that one of the key things about the day is the interfaith relationships.

“The idea you can have something which allows people to express their own faith without it involving the ritual of religion is incredibly positive,” she said.

“A lot of people who are drawn into Mitzvah don't really worry about the fact it is religious. It is almost irrelevant it is religious but of course it is religious.

“It is religious to any faith who sees the religious value in doing good. But a lot of people are drawn in that wouldn't get involved in traditional religion. That is the magic of Mitzvah day.”

The competition to find good deeds in the borough is now running. If you have a project suggestion email Francine Wolfisz at fwolfisz@london.newsquest.co.uk