Packing continues, both in south Wales and in Horley; in Horley the team meets on the first and third Friday of each month. The scale of packing in the UK is less than in previous years but this makes the activity more manageable for our ageing teams. Nevertheless, 33 years after the first load, we continue to send good quality items to Romania.
By contrast, our team in Romania is as busy as ever; distributing food, donating clothing and household items, responding to requests for other help and managing Casa Neemia and its residents. Romania has one of the highest inflation rates in the EU, incomes are often low and there is a strong temptation for working-age people to seek a better life elsewhere, leaving the older folk without the traditional family support. As a result of these factors the number of people asking for help remains high.
Our pre-Easter food appeal at two local supermarkets was, again, well supported. We received food and household items worth about £5,500; this is in addition to the daily collection of short-time items which, for April, was valued at some £3,000 based on marked shelf prices. The short-time food includes meat and dairy products, which we distribute immediately, and surplus fruit and vegetables which are shared with families who visit the office.
This is the season for preparing our land for this year’s crops. The residents at Casa Neemia have been busy tilling the land and planting vegetables. Meanwhile, thanks to generous donor, another family has received a tank for conserving rain water for their summer crops.
A special consignment of educational materials for kindergartens was received recently, coinciding with the start of the summer term. As before, these materials will be shared between local kindergartens. First reports are that the children are delighted with the new items.
This Month’s Featured Photos
Preparing for the growing season: Repairing the rotavator … Investing in onions … Conserving rainwater
Distributing the donated food: A bag of goodies … Office visitor … A happy mum
New educational items: Handling the herd … Building their future … Getting in shape
Last Month’s Statistics
Awaiting preparation
This Month’s Prayer Notes
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Link to this month’s Prayer Notes
