As the date grew closer for us to start packing our boxes we were franticly trying to get as much of the stock here for the boxes as we could. Unfortunately, sometimes it is more difficult to get our stock here due to border delays and all the other issues that arise when trying to get the stock to our warehouse here in Bulawayo,
The day that I planned for us to start packing all boxes, care parcels and all the other groceries and goodies, I had all my staff at the warehouse ready to go. We were just waiting for the last few bits and bobs to arrive from SA but we could start to get everything ready. Firstly, we had to place all our pallets on the floors to ensure that nothing could get wet if it happened to rain. Once all the pallets were packed where they were needed, we brought out all the boxes which took some serious time as they need to be packed in the correct order and in the homes, they are for. The staff took a break before we got started. Once we had all the boxes out and ready to be packed the staff started bringing out the stock that would need to be packed into each box. This process took almost an entire day purely because of the care that is required to ensure that no pensioner is left without a box. It is so important to ensure that every single person’s name is checked off.
Eventually all the homes and names had been checked against our very thorough list provided by Linda and we were ready to start packing. As the team worked meticulously from item to item ensuring that each box receives the same quantities and food items you could see the boxes starting to fill. This is generally a whole 5-day processes that is followed to ensure that everything is correct. In addition to the process of packing the boxes we have team members busy packing and sealing maize meal which is a staple here. The last item put into each box were the marshmallow Easter eggs which each and every pensioner loves so dearly.
Once the last boxes are packed our team checks them against the name lists again and the boxes are sealed and stacked in their homes, however on this trip with our stock being delayed we have had to keep the boxes open so that we can pack in the last few goodies as they arrive with the runner on Monday. Then we move onto the frail care packages for each of our pensioners that don’t receive a box of goods and then onto the kitchens which is for those homes were all meals are cooked and served in a dining hall or directly to those in frail care. Once we are packed all packages are checked again against our lists, the reason for this is can you imagine being the one person in a home that doesn’t receive a package. I would be absolutely heartbroken if it were me. It is now Saturday and we have some very well-deserved down time before the truck arrives. It is our opportunity to recharge our batteries a little and to get ready for the big week ahead.
Johan, Chris and Annette Whitehead and Frans arrived in Bulawayo on April 12 the after a very long 2-day trip from Malelane. Firstly, they had to head straight to the warehouse to park the truck there as there is no way that it would ever fit into my yard. Once they had parked the truck, they left the warehouse and were on their way to my house for some dinner, a beer or two and a good night’s rest. We were standing outside having a chat when Frans all of a sudden asked when did we get a bunny. We told him that we did not have one but he went inside to have a look to find the bunny. We could not find it and we eventually had Frans thinking he was crazy and started saying that he had seen the Easter Bunny. Not 20 minutes after that, Chris’s wife saw a bunny hopping down the hallway. We still have no idea how the bunny got into the house. Willem organised for the bunny to be rehomed with his boss.
Monday April 13: Monday morning and we were up bright and early and we were ready to head off to the warehouse as we still had some stock to arrive and it had to be packed prior to the boxes being sealed. Once the stock arrived, we packed the boxes that have to leave on the truck first. Finally, by the end of Monday the truck was all packed and ready to head out in the morning and we got on to ensure that all the Bulawayo boxes were ready too.
Tuesday, April 14: The truck left on Tuesday morning and Frans stayed behind in Bulawayo as there wasn’t space for him in the truck but we were more than happy to have him along for the ride. Once they were on the way we began loading up the bakkie with all the groceries and meds for our pensioners at Queen Mary, Railsteen, Edith Duly and Masonic. As soon as everything was loaded, we were on our way to Railsteen to deliver first. It seems that many of the residents are having an after-breakfast snooze as there was only staff around. After having a quick chat to some of the nurses we were on our way to our next stop.
Queen Mary is literally next door to Railsteen so it was a really short drive. As we arrived their kitchen staff hurried out to assist us with the offloading of all the groceries and basic meds. As I walked through the kitchen, I could smell that they were busy with the most delicious lunch. Once again, I walked up and down the passages searching for a glorious oldie to have a conversation with but they were all relaxing in their rooms which are obviously cooler than the common areas. It wasn’t long until I bumped into the Matron whilst I looking for someone to have a conversation with. She told me how the food and medical items that we provide make it possible for them to continue doing what they do.
Next, we were off to Edith Duly to deliver their groceries for the kitchen, care parcels and basic meds. As all the boxes and boxes were offloaded, I walked into the home searching for any oldies that might be awake. I head down the walkway and find one of my all time favourite oldies sitting in his wheelchair. Uncle PJ was one of my father’s best friends as they had grown up together. He was looking much better than how he had on previous trips. Once we were all done offloading it was off to our last stop for the day which would be Masonic Cottages. Once we arrived there, we were waved in by all the oldies sitting on their verandas and met at the drop off point by the 2 ladies that always know where everything should go. Today was a little different though as most of the oldies met us in the hall for a chat. This is always such a special time to get to have some lovely conversations with these amazing pensioners. After a lovely catch up and a couple of jokes all the boxes were in the store room where they are then sent on a wheelbarrow to each cottage. We still had a lot of deliveries to try and get done as we were a day behind with our deliveries. We were off to Mr and Mrs MANAARD, we were so relieved to see how well they were looking. She was sitting up really nicely and had so much more colour in her face since having her stroke. Then we were off to Qalisa, as we arrived by Mrs Gill MICHELL she welcomed us with a huge smile. She always seems to be so happy and was looking particularly energized. The next stop was Barbra Burrel and as we arrived the staff came out to assist us with the packages. I headed inside to see if anyone was up and in the mood for a chat. Most of the oldies were now having an afternoon sleep so it had to be quiet a quick in and out. As we head back to the warehouse it was quite warm and we were tired after a long but very rewarding day.
Wednesday April 15, 2026 was another busy day for us. Today our time was going to be spent in Coronation delivering to all our oldies there. Our first stop was at the office to deliver boxes for a few outsiders that generally collect from there. When we pulled in Brian was sitting on the wall in the sun waiting for us to get there. He seemed happy and enjoying his time in the sun, he came over to have a chat with us. One or two of the other pensioners popped in to say hello and to let us know how absolutely grateful they are that we can do this for them. I reminded them that it is undeniably because of all the amazing donors that we have around the world that we can do this. Once all those boxes were offloaded to the office and cottages that are nearby, we were off down the road to continue. We carried on with our deliveries going from cottage to cottage. Soon we were heading to Mrs VAN DER MERWE, she seemed to be doing well but was saying how unbearable the heat has become. She is one of those pensioners that you can talk to for hours.
Across the road was Ian, he had seen us coming and was waiting for us to reach their flat. Irene was out and busy with her normal day to day things that she does around the complex. He said that they were both doing well and feeling better, however times are getting so tough for them. Next we delivered to a few oldies down the road and then we were off to Gloria BENT. She was full of smiles and was seeming happy and healthy. As we continued through Coronation enjoying the conversations with all our oldies reminding us of how amazing they each are. The one thing that I noticed is how absolutely stunning most of the gardens are looking after the great rains, flowers blooming everywhere.
Thursday, April 16: The next morning we were up bright and early and we were heading off to the warehouse to load up for our deliveries. As I arrived all the boxes were already stacked and ready to be loaded because we all knew what a busy day lay ahead of us. The staff began to load the bakkie as full as we could to ensure that we could get around to as many oldies as possible. First, we delivered to a few outsiders, unfortunately most of them were out and about enjoying the little bit of sun we were having. We were off to Garden Park to visit and deliver their boxes. One of our last stops was with Mr BANCRAFT, he has always been one of the pensioners that I can’t wait to get to. As usual the moment I arrived he offered me a cup of tea, he has occasionally offered me something stronger, but I always tell him that I would have to come back after hours for that. He was once again so grateful for the large box of groceries that we were delivering. I wasn’t feeling too great and had to ask Frans to take over from me so that I could head home to try and sort myself out.
Once we had dropped Caroline at home it was me (Frans) and Angela. We headed straight to the warehouse to get the last of the boxes loaded. We headed off to get started. Angela had to guide me most of the way as I don’t really know the area all too well.. We stopped at a few pensioners houses before the last drops at Angela’s house for the rest of the outsiders to come and pick them up. The day ended very late for us. We got done just after 5 PM. We then headed back to the warehouse to drop off the empties. I then headed back to Caroline’s house where I played games with my cousins.
Friday, April 17, 2026: After I was feeling better I (Caroline) was ready to deliver to Kingshaven in Esigodini, however there had been a tragic accident that had occurred on the road there and the road had been closed. We decided to leave the deliver until the next Monday as they cannot receive the boxes over a weekend.
Monday, April 20, 2026: Once I arrived at the warehouse and we had finished loading my car, we were off to Kingshaven. As we arrived and drove through the gate you can just see how calm and beautiful it is. It is certainly a home in one of the most beautiful settings. As we began delivering the boxes, we were once again reminded about how much these boxes mean to each and every one of them. We always deliver here and then the complex workers deliver the boxes to each home. It was time to say goodbye and be on our way back to Bulawayo to continue our deliveries. The drive back was reasonably quiet and not too many cars on the road. As we entered Bulawayo the traffic picked up and there were a lot of police on the roads.
That was us finished with all our deliveries for this trip, it was an amazing trip with so many funny story’s and so many smiles. Johan, Frans and the others were already back in South Africa. Doing these trips and delivering these boxes to each of our oldies has become an absolute highlight for me. Not one of these trips we be remotely possible if not for every one of our generous doners. We do that actual trip but you make it possible and the hugest thank you definitely goes out to every one of you. For any of you that are interested in becoming donors to this absolutely one of a kind fund, please reach out. We are however still looking for secure warehouse space in Bulawayo where we can have our stock delivered to and space to be able to do our packing. Please, if anyone can help or know someone who can assist kindly let us know.
Head office South Africa contact details:
Linda Schultz – linda@zpsf.co.za / zpsf@zpsf.onmicrosoft.com – (C) 079 6082676
Johan Schultz – johan@zpsf.co.za – (C) 082 4979328
Section 21 Co Reg. 2007/034036/08; NPO Number 096733; Section 18A PBO No 930031642
