A self-effacing Canary Wharf executive who has organised activities for the Docklands and wider east London community for 24 years has been presented with Jewish Care's major communal award.
Danny Seliger, administration director at Canary Wharf Management, received the Topland award at a lunch at London's Grosvenor House on Wednesday attended by 550 people. The lunch is expected to raise £250,000 for the charity.
Mr Seliger organises minyanim, weekly "lunch and learn" events and Yomtov activities for Jewish workers in the Canary Wharf area. He also invites elderly Jewish Care clients from east London to events and sends them regular packages funded by his company.
"I always wanted to make sure that the Jewish people of east London and in the big modern metropolis of Canary Wharf didn't feel left out or left behind," he said.
He was "embarrassed" by the attention and "wouldn't usually accept an award". But he had been persuaded that the recognition was an opportunity to spread his message.
I wanted to make sure east London Jews didn't feel left out
"I hope that other companies will join in, firstly on the volunteering side, which doesn't cost them much, and that they'll see what we're doing with events for the elderly - and sending parcels as well.
"I think it's also important for every-one present to reflect on if there is a way they can give time or money. And if you can't do either, then use your network to influence others."
Jewish Care chief executive Simon Morris said: "The award is a way to appreciate unsung heroes. He didn't want to receive it today and that's the character of everyone who gets the award."
Jamie Field, the charity's east London manager, said Mr Seliger was "very passionate. He doesn't take no for an answer and he pushes me to do as much as I can for Jews in the East End.
"They've been forgotten by many, but not by him. I speak to him three times a week. He's intimately involved in everything we do. He organises, funds and commits manpower, but he never attends because he doesn't want the limelight. To get him here was an immense challenge."
Following the award presentation, former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Rose - recently appointed adviser to the NHS - discussed his new role and the challenge to make further links between the health and social care sectors.
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