Every 6 – 8 weeks more than 12 tons of food is transported in the truck and distributed to 28 homes / organizations. Wheelchairs, walking aids and basic medicine is also supplied to the pensioners. The supply trip lasts 8 – 10 days and a distance of 4000 kilometres will be travelled by the truck. The value of the food and the cost of delivering it to the pensioners in Zimbabwe is currently exceeding R350000 per trip.
All of us at the ZPSF would like to welcome Dave Austen our new driver to the team. Dave completed his first solo trip doing the parcel deliveries around Zimbabwe to our Golden Oldies in time for Easter 2019. A HUGE THANK YOU DAVE AND A WARM WELCOME. We wish you safe travels.
As usual the boxes all contained the traditional marshmallow Easter eggs for our Golden Oldies, just a small treat to brighten up the tough times. Especially now as things just keep going from bad to worse with prices escalating at a rapid pace and stocks beginning to disappear from the shelves once again. From what I hear he made the trip with ease and everyone was delighted with the desperately needed boxes.
ZPSF Trip Report Easter 2019 – Dave Austen
My first solo trip with the Zimbabwe Pensioner Support Fund. Firstly, let me say that I felt honor and privilege given the responsibility of doing the whole run on my own. I met with Linda early on Tuesday morning to collect the truck and load my things. Once loaded me, myself and I were ready for the journey. However just as my trip was starting, I received a call from Linda asking me to pull off the road and wait for her. It appears Hannes had made the trip safely to Bulawayo on an expired driver’s license. Luckily it was not a long wait and soon with Hannes’s correct license in hand I was truly on my way. My journey between S.A. and Beit Bridge was very quiet at times I thought I was the only one on the road.
I made it to Musina safe and sound and spent a pleasant evening with Joe & Hester while the truck was parked safely at the NG Church (Thank You). Wednesday morning once again saw an early start for me to get to the bridge, with the truck being empty I got through relatively quick with no issues. On arrival in Bulawayo I met up with Hannes, Angela and the crew, where the truck was quickly loaded up for the round trip.
My first call being Boggies Trust in Gweru, here the folks were very appreciative of their box’s & were somewhat surprised by the truck coming round again so soon. But trust me there were no complaints and everyone gratefully the desperately needed food aid as the cost of basic commodities here continues to soar.
My next town of call was Redcliff with Herbert Lee and then I was o to Kwe Kwe with Lynbrook Homes once again the folks were very happy and appreciative for their box’s. I was very fortunate to see family in Kwe Kwe. Who also Expressed Appreciation for what is done by all Donors and ZPSF. My over night stay was spent with Clive & Estelle in Kadoma at West View Cottages, Thank You Very Much I had the pleasure of Celebrating Don,s Birthday with him and others. The following morning after a lovely breakfast I got off to a relatively late start in lite rain and made my way towards Sunningdale in Chinoyi. After I arrived and off loaded the truck with many hands helping, I was given a treat of coffee and snack which was thoroughly enjoyed and much appreciated. One of the New Ladies could barely contain herself being so Happy and meeting ZPSF member.
With my belly full it was off to Harare to drop off the boxes by the Futters. Marion was all smiles and we managed to offload in the lite rain. This is where I made a Boo Boo and forgot to take off the Chivu boxes for delivery. So Sorry, I will Not let it Happen again. While in Harare I had the Pleasure of meeting Vic & his Lovely Wife whilst Re- Fueling the truck. Your support is highly appreciated Vic for all that you do. From Harare it was on to Rusape. Here I spent a restful night at Resthaven. While it was still raining, I enjoyed a lovely Braai with Ann Cripps and friends.
The following morning I was off to an early run to Des in Mutare who was kind enough to fill me in with regards to the roads and so on to Pioneer Trust in Masvingo after effects of Cyclone Idia. The balance of the run to Masvingo, Zvishavane and Shurugwi went off without a hitch. Here I would like to say Thanks Val for taking on what was the consequence of my BOO BOO and making a plan to get the boxes to Chivu.
The trip Via Gweru and then back to Bulawyo went off well I was grateful, and I was spoilt with a Good Plate of stew by my Niece then off to the Blanket Show [Bed]. The next day we off loaded the box’s and then I was on my way Home arriving Safe & Sound the following Day. I would like to thank the LORD JESUS for A safe pleasent journey to and from.
God Bless All Dave
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
All of us at the ZPSF would like to welcome Dave Austen our new driver to the team. Dave completed his first solo trip doing the parcel deliveries around Zimbabwe to our Golden Oldies in time for Easter 2019. A HUGE THANK YOU DAVE AND A WARM WELCOME. We wish you safe travels.
As usual the boxes all contained the traditional marshmallow Easter eggs for our Golden Oldies, just a small treat to brighten up the tough times. Especially now as things just keep going from bad to worse with prices escalating at a rapid pace and stocks beginning to disappear from the shelves once again. From what I hear he made the trip with ease and everyone was delighted with the desperately needed boxes.