The Romanian Aid Foundation & Asociatia Neemia

The packing sessions at Horley have restarted, albeit at a slightly slower pace as we adjust to the revised packing requirements. We anticipate sending our next lorry in mid-October. On this occasion the load will consist of clothing, bedding and footwear, with a small amount of stationery and personal hygiene items.

In our early years of taking items to Romania we received practical help from Royal Mail and ParcelForce, in the form of transport and storage facilities; since then we have had a contract which allowed some of our more distant supporters to send us items using the ParcelForce network, free of charge. This contract has now expired and can no longer be used. ParcelForce (and other couriers) can still deliver to us but it will be on a charge basis as part of their normal business. We will endeavour to put new arrangements in place for the receipt of aid items on a commercial basis. In the meantime, be aware that this termination of contract takes place with immediate effect. Please do not attempt to send items via the existing ParcelForce details.

As mentioned last month, the schools and kindergartens have started their new academic year. We have been able to supply stationery and other school materials to kindergartens, both in Dorohoi and in the surrounding area. Rural kindergartens in particular tend to have smaller classes which attract less funding and items such as paper, card, educational toys and appropriate furniture are all much appreciated. Parents are expected to contribute to the pupils’ necessities. Education is nominally free but an official estimate put the cost of preparing for the new term at 100 pounds per pupil. This will include appropriate clothing, sports kit, exercise books and writing materials, plus a knapsack to carry it all in. Many of the families that we support cannot afford all this, especially if there are several children in the family.

Our guests from Ukraine continue to adjust to life in Dorohoi. Several of them were from areas that have recently been annexed by Russia; for them there seems to be no practical prospect of them being able to return.

This month’s featured photos

• Transport from ParcelForce
• Kindergarten materials from AN
• Our Guests from Ukraine

Last month’s statistics

Stats notes:
– Joiners are new registrants this month, Leavers are are those whose latest recorded donation was 12 months ago.
– Some households may receive more than one donation during a month (eg, repeat donations of food).
– Items shown as 0 or as “…” are awaiting final returns for the month.

 
Previous month’s news, September 2022