The June round trip was arranged for departure from Malelane on the 4th June 2019. The truck was also fully loaded on this trip with a load of winter foods being taken up. I was once again fortunate to spend the night with Joe & Hester. Thankou so much for your continued kindness and support of the fund. I was up and at it early the following morning and was at Beitbridge at approximately 06h00. I had a 2 hour wait before I could get into S.A. Customs, the reason given was it was due to a back log from previous day. Once the S.A. side was cleared, the Zimbabwe side was a whole other issue. I queued for the Weigh Bridge with about 30 trucks in front of me. Eventually I made it into ConDep (Vehicle Inspection) at around 13h00 with almost all Officials on shift change or lunch. Once the officials finally arrived to inspect the truck, they wanted to check the quantities, I had to off load some of the stock. Once the goods were checked and counted, the truck was re-packed and secured. I then had to wait on the paperwork etc. I was finally able to leave the border just after 17h00. Taking it easy, with a slow drive arrived in Bulawayo at 00h30.
Truck was off loaded and re-packed with the box’s for the round trip. Boxes that all our folk’s are so grateful for and happy to receive. As per usual my first stop was at Bogies Trust and then on to Huisvergesig in Gweru. Thanks Aunty Ivy for a road snack, it was much appreciated. From there I was on my way to Hubert Lee Cottages (Redcliff), LynnBrook (KweKwe), and Westview Home and outsiders in Kadoma. While visiting these homes I was saddened to hear of the spiraling costs of basic necessities that are just out of all our Pensioners reach. For some their chronic meds cost twice their pension if not more, so now they are having to do without or play ini mini mo and decide which meds they will take this month. How these folks are surviving and making it under these very difficult circumstances is beyond understanding What with power outages and the cost of fuel going up almost dayly yet they go on and I’m quite sure support help comes from within and ALL those around them. Also from Our Heavenly Father. AMEN.
At Chinoyi (Sunningdale home and outsiders) I was cheerfully greeted by Mr. Flannegan kicking up dust on his motorised car to greet me and being as ever cheerful. What a positive man. Bill the administrator being ever present in receiving all the goods as well as everyone gathering around the truck to receive their boxes. From there I was on my way to Harare, the drop went off well with Mr. Futters. Once again a big thank you for all your help with these deliveries, it is appreciated beyond words. (Amen I did not forget our Chivu box drop off). Thanks once again Vic for taking time out on your Saturday for our ever appreciated Fuel contribution.
After arriving suitable exhausted I spent a pleasant evening at Rest Haven (Rusape) and had the joy of experiencing firsthand one of their power outages. We were entertained by Bob with his guitar in candlelight and Torches. Early the next morning I was on the road to Mutare, here I was greeted by Des & Sally. Thanks for all for your ever reliable presence and all that you do for your fellow man. May the Lord Bless and keep you always. Here the boxes for S.O.A.P. Mutare, EHT, Strickland Lodge, Murambi and Nyanga were offloaded to once again be distributed with the assistance of Des.
From there it was on my way to Masivingo to deliver the Pioneer Cottages and Outsiders and Emslie Close boxes, thank you to Val and her team who do such a wonderful job looking after our pensioners and making sure everyone receives their parcels. Arriving in Zvishavane I was met by Lynne where I offloaded the boxes. Then onto Shurugwi (Muus Lodge insiders and outsiders) here the truck was met by most of the residents eagerly awaiting their boxes, thanks for the pot of tea, sandwiches and chats. Appreciated as always.
Once my tummy was filled and spirits lifted, I made my way back to Gweru to collect the empty boxes and was then finally on my way to Bulawayo. Once arriving in Bulawayo the truck was emptied of all boxes and ready for the trip back to SA.
The main message we received and were asked to pass on to all who have donated or assisted in one way or another was a Great Big Thank You, and to them, the pensioners, every time the truck arrives and they see the food parcels marked with their names on it, that they have not been forgotten and that there are still people out there who care and think about them. Just seeing their names on the boxes and knowing that someone cares, helps them to fight their daily struggle for survival with a sense of pride.
It is difficult to put into words the appreciation shown by these old folk and can only be fully understood when one sees it for yourself. As said before, what a blessing and inspiration these old folk have been to us with memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Only 95 lamps now to go!!!! Due to the current worsening power situation I am also wanting to once again purchase solar lamps like we did 3 years ago for our Golden Oldies. It is a safe and reliable option. In order to supply each recipient / couple / family who receive a box I need to purchase at least 730 lamps. Now I know this is not food and it is not a Christmas present, but this is a safety and comfort issue. The below link will allow you to donate $20.00 and thus you can sponsor a lamp.
Susan Tavener Gale “We really need these lamps. Some area have no power all night. So far Mutare has been lucky with power returning before midnight. So our lovely boxes arrived in Mutare yesterday. What a welcome relief. I think all of us at Park Cottages ate well last night, and I am about to have a good breakfast now . Thank you so much for looking after us so well. And thank you all the donors for the support you give us. Without you and the ZPSF team, many of us would be in serious trouble. We really appreciate you and the team, and especially the donors”
We trust our next trip will be leaving by the end of July, as for the months of July, August and September, the ZPSF team are doing a big fundraising run for the fund. With the number of pensioners growing with each trip, we are finding that we have to grow our support base to keep up this worthy cause.
As you are all aware, the country is going through a difficult time financially with the rest of the world at the moment and the Fund is also taking strain.
Head Office Contact Details:
Linda Schultz
(C) 079 6082676
(T) 013 7900934
Fax to Email – 086 267 8499
Section 21 Co Reg. 2007/034036/08;
NPO Number 096733;
Section 18A PBO No 930031642