The Romanian Aid Foundation & Asociatia Neemia

The Horley team, whilst under lock-down rules, have managed to load and dispatch a full articulated lorry from Billingshurst to Dorohoi, all whilst keeping safe and using a small invited team. The warehouse in Billingshurst is now empty. With this is mind and still under certain safety measures we will be receiving aid items in the car park of Horley Baptist Church, during Fridays from 31st July and each Friday in August. It is hoped that we may restart our regular packing sessions at Horley Baptist Church in September. Most of our team in Horley are of a mature age. However, all would love to get back sorting and packing as before.

The Billingshurst warehouse will be open on Saturday mornings during August and then as normal thereafter. Because of an issue with the key box it is no longer possible to drop off items there other than Saturday mornings. The code is changed and will not be available to unauthorised persons. Location details for the warehouse are on our How to Donate page.

It is hoped to have a Christmas lorry ready for November. Please ensure your shoe boxes are with us by Saturday 7th November. If you send by post or parcel services you will have to check with your local depot about collections nearer the time you are ready.

In south Wales the lock-down restrictions had the result of severely restricting movement, so that for weeks and weeks nothing was received. However, for the last 6 weeks materials have been trickling in and, subject to local restrictions, it is back to normal. We anticipate that the numbers of Joy in the Box contributions (due later in the year) may be down this year. Actual shoe boxes are becoming very difficult to obtain so we can accept their contents in bulk form, for making up into gift parcels in Dorohoi.

Once again this month in Dorohoi we have been able to continue to help our most needy families, with a limited range of clothing and some household items. With the help of local contacts we have also been able to obtain some food items such as potatoes, margarine and UHT milk, for sharing with them. The arrival of the lorry on 16th July was a great blessing, we were able to start distributing its contents immediately. Loads of thanks to all those involved.

In this area there was very little precipitation during the winter and rainfall during the spring and summer has been erratic, with some areas flooded and others in near-drought conditions. This has had an adverse effect on the quality and quantity of crops.

The start of the traditional holiday period and the hot summer temperatures have encouraged wise-spread non-compliance with social distancing rules. Whilst we maintain the required measures at the office and shop, our staff are at increased risk whilst out and about.

This month’s featured photos

• A great effort
• A generous donation
• A disappointing harvest

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.

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, July 2020

The Horley team is planning to send a lorry on 11th July. This will, of course, be dependent upon the prevailing restrictions on the number of people that can help with the loading and also upon a judgement by our transport contractor about the conditions governing the international haulage of this type of goods.

Our stocks of summer clothing that were inappropriate for winter distribution are now proving their worth as we have been able to continue to donate some clothing to those who are the most needy here. As mentioned previously, the depletion of stocks has allowed us to undertake a lot of repair and maintenance work at the warehouse. We now have an opportunity to do a more realistic stock take rather than the estimates that have been necessary in previous years. Nevertheless, we look forward to the arrival of a new load, hopefully during the next two weeks.

The very popular donations of oil and rice from Wales have all been shared out, as has the food that we received from Horley. As an interim arrangement we have been able to obtain a limited range of locally sourced food items, some as donations, others at reduced cost. This has allowed us to continue to provide help to the most needy families and individuals. The procedures for donations at the office continue to respect the distancing rules that Romania still has in place.

Most schools and kindergartens have been closed since March and teachers have been conducting classes online. However, many families do not have access to the necessary technology or materials so now, with a partial relaxation of distancing rules and better weather, some teachers are providing catch-up classes. We have been able to provide stationery, craft materials, some outdoor toys and furniture so that classes can be held in the school grounds.

Summer camps such as that at Voronet have not been able to open as yet this year so it now seems very unlikely that we will be able to organise a camp holiday this summer.

This month’s featured photos

• Renovations at the warehouse
• Donations comply with distancing recommendations
• Help for Kindergartens

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.

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, June 2020

 
The information given in this page was correct at the time of preparation. However, in the current circumstances, regulations and activities can change on a daily basis and it is not possible to keep these pages entirely up to date. Please refer to our “Please Note” page for the latest information.

 
In the UK all activities involving person-to-person contact including packing and transport have been suspended during the present crisis:
– Friday packing sessions are suspended;
– Normal warehouse activities are suspended;
– Team meetings are moving to digital media;
– Lorry departures are postponed.
The monthly Prayer Notes and the websites will continue to be published as normal.
You can keep up to date via our website link above.

RoAF has provided funding to enable Beni to take the opportunity of a relatively empty warehouse to do some redecoration there, and also funds to facilitate the repair of the warehouse roof before the winter. This latter work will require craftsmen with appropriate skills, many of whom are currently unable to work officially.

The work of AN has not stopped during this period of emergency. We did reduce the hours of work, but we kept the office and shop open. Some clouds have silver linings! We have been able to use this opportunity when we have limited stocks in the warehouse to re-organise the way in which items are stored there and to dispose of articles that no longer have any prospect of being useful. Thanks to funding from the UK we are able to do some repairs and redecorating, with some of our beneficiaries and Casa Neemia residents helping with that work.

We have been able to keep the shop open with limited hours. Many of our usual customers are reluctant to spend much at present so we have kept the prices at ‘sales’ level. The shop has continued to cover its costs but it is not able to contribute much to the other activities of the charity.

Laurentiu and Gabriela have continued to prepare items for needy families, within the constraints of limited stocks. The office premises are closed to visitors and donations are made in accordance with the contact restrictions that are currently in place.

After many months of near-drought (and minimal winter snow) we now have had two weeks of more regular rainfall. Our crops at the warehouse and at Casa Neemia have benefited from this rain but below the top level much of the soil remains very dry. This suggests that the final quality of the crops will not be of the standard of previous years. As mentioned last month, we have been able to acquire some food stocks locally, at discounted prices, and have been able to distribute them to our families.

Restrictions on movements and gatherings mean that it is not possible to have the children’s camp at Voronet this month. We are looking at options later in the summer but it seems highly likely that there will be no camp this year. This will be a major disappointment for the children who had been looking forward to their annual holiday in the mountains.

This month’s featured photos

• Renovations at the warehouse
• A season for new life
• Diligent gardeners at Casa Neemia

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.

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, May 2020

 
The information given in this page was correct at the time of preparation. However, in the current circumstances, regulations and activities can change on a daily basis and it is not possible to keep these pages entirely up to date. Please refer to our “Please Note” page for the latest information.

 
In the UK all activities involving person-to-person contact including packing and transport have been suspended during the present crisis:
– Friday packing sessions are suspended;
– Normal warehouse activities are suspended;
– Team meetings are moving to digital media;
– Lorry departures are postponed.
The monthly Prayer Notes and the websites will continue to be published as normal.
You can keep up to date via our website link above.

Most of our activities in the UK are undertaken by pensioners which means that we are at a standstill pending the lifting of the restrictions on the movement of older people. However, individuals are able to continue some activities such as knitting or preparing items on a single person basis although we are not as yet able to collect and pack any items.

The work of AN has not stopped during this period of emergency. We did reduce the hours of work, but we kept the office and shop open. During the first part from this emergency period very few people were coming to the office to ask for help; the same at the shop, very few customers, but in the last week a lot of people came especially to the office.

We have some stock of clothes in the office that we are able to donate straight away. We were able to buy some bulk food like pizza, yogurt and ice cream at a very convenient price. We also bought a chest freezer where we keep the food and are able to donate it to families and Casa Neemia. At Casa Neemia the boys (most of them are isolated) have been helpful working and seeding the garden, but struggling to cope with one another after being all together there for long time.

In the warehouse we have left some summer boxes for the shop (not many) but the stock is mainly winter items – blue fleeces (Shoe Zone), and some white duvets and knitted items. This year we seeded the land at the warehouse with maize, which will be milled into flour in the autumn. We estimate that in this circumstances, without receiving a lorry with goods we may cope till middle of June (office and shop).

This month’s featured photos

• Preparing for the new growing season
• Pizza and Ice-cream
• Masks are in fashion

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.

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, April 2020

 
The information given in this page was correct at the time of preparation. However, in the current circumstances, regulations and activities can change on a daily basis and it is not possible to keep these pages entirely up to date. Please refer to our “Please Note” page for the latest information.

 
In the UK all activities involving person-to-person contact including packing and transport have been suspended during the present crisis:
– Friday packing sessions are suspended;
– Normal warehouse activities are suspended;
– Team meetings are moving to digital media;
– Lorry departures are postponed.
The monthly Prayer Notes and the websites will continue to be published as normal.
You can keep up to date via our website link above.

The clothing collection box at St Francis Church in Horley has been renovated. Our thanks to Jim for doing this and, of course, to all those who will make good use of the box once the restrictions are lifted. This box and the one at Billingshurst are still accessible for the deposit of clean, wrapped clothing. However, the collection routine is subject to disruption so please do not leave any items outside the boxes.

Spring has officially arrived in north-eastern Romania although it feels like it has been here for several months already. Trees and flowers that should be starting to produce buds are well advanced. However, the absence of a proper winter has its downsides. Snow which would have melted slowly into the soil has been replaced by rain which runs off into ditches and this may compromise this year’s crops. In a normal year the arrival of Spring would bring increased opportunities for employment in construction and agriculture. This year the situation is very different, with local residents competing with those who have returned from abroad.
A nation-wide curfew means that activities are now very limited. The office remains open, with reduced hours; the numbers of those asking for help is lower than normal and we are having to ration the amount of food that we can give. We are unable to provide any cash help at present. The shop is still open, but again with limited hours. At present it is covering its staff costs but little else. At the warehouse we still have good stocks of clothing and bedding, and knitwear suitable for the elderly and very young. We do have a quantity of gardening and DIY tools that we can give to those who can make use of them to help themselves.
The residents at Casa Neemia are confined to the premises and a strict hygiene regime has been introduced. We are able to supply daily meals for them and they are still able to work outside in the garden and polytunnel under certain conditions.

This month’s featured photos

• Refurbished drop-box in Horley
• Lunch at Casa Neemia
• Aid awaiting dispatch

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.

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, March 2020

Despite the Billingshurst warehouse being effectively empty in mid January, stocks there have built up to the point where we have about half a lorry-load already. We have once again been surprised by the generosity of our donors, including an offer of unclaimed bedding from a local laundry, all freshly laundered and bagged up, plus a stock of T-shirts from another source. Our thanks to you all.

In Dorohoi February has been the usual sort of month, with normal donations to families of clothing, bedding, white duvets, pushchairs, cots, and food. We still have some tinned food from Horley – maybe 150 kg left – which has been very good and useful. What we have left might last for other two weeks, but we still have oil, rice from Wales and flour given to us by another charity in Botosani. We have bought some frozen pizza from a local producer. These pizzas are very economic, at about 20p per pizza and proved very popular last year when we donated them to families. They can be cooked on the type of wood-fired stoves that most of our families use and make a welcome change in their diet. In addition we can use some of them for the residents at Casa Neemia.

At Casa Neemia the residents were more involved in helping with garden and also in the kitchen. Our neighbour agreed for us to grow vegetables on her land as well so they will be plenty to keep them occupied once the season starts. We have been getting the CN boys to help with some work at warehouse; tidying the garden, cleaning the yard and repairing the driveway, plus chopping and delivering wood to families. These activities seem to have resulted in an improvement in their attitude.

We donated wood to about 25 families, plus the usual donations of money for rent, medicine, gas bottle refills, transport to hospital, etc. So even an ordinary month keeps us busy!

This month’s featured photos show some of the residents at Casa Neemia at work:

• Preparing the polytunnel for this year’s vegetables
• Collecting tree cuttings for donation as cooking fuel
• Repairing the driveway at the warehouse

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.

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, February 2020

For the ‘first time in living memory’ the Horley team has managed to achieve an empty warehouse – well nearly. There was a suggestion about using the space in a more orderly fashion but, as with most new years resolutions, that remains to be seen. We have, as yet, little guidance in what items can be accepted in what may become a more stringent post-Brexit customs inspection regime. However, such is the generosity of our donors that by the time that you read this the team will have started to restock and we are grateful to those who continue to donate, both in bulk and on a smaller scale.

As mentioned last month, some 95% of households (and 25% of schools) in rural Romania are heated with wood. The warmer weather during the past two months has reduced the demand for wood but it is still necessary to have some, for cooking as well as heating. Due to environmental concerns, firewood is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain legally but, following additional sponsorship, we were once again able to acquire a supply of firewood from a legitimate source and distribute it to some families who were unable to obtain their own.
However, this form of heating does come with its risks. AN has, on a number of occasions, been asked to provide emergency help for those who have suffered house fires. Most recently, at the end of January, two of our regular beneficiary households who both had lodgings in one house were rendered homeless by a fire which destroyed a major part of the premises. For one of them, it was the second time that a fire in a shared building had made him homeless, through no fault of his own. It is in these situations that stocks of bedding and clothing, plus essential household items, prove their worth. We cannot replace all that has been lost but we can at least help with immediate needs.

The dates for this year’s children’s camp have been decided. It will take place from 15th to 20th June, the first week of the summer holidays, and space for 40 children has been booked. As in previous years, this opportunity of a holiday is likely to be over-subscribed and it will be necessary to exercise some discretion in selecting the children and also the young people who will act as group leaders.

This month’s featured photos

• A warehouse awaits fresh stock
• Loading logs makes you warm
• Competing for space on the coach to camp

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.
[table id=<24> /]

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, January 2020

The most memorable activity each December is the distribution of Christmas giftboxes and designated boxes for sponsored families. Christmas boxes prepared in the UK are shared amongst our registered families and a limited number is supplied to local kindergartens and village churches for distribution. Generally, the Christmas boxes are more suitable for children under the age of 14 but some have been prepared for older people and these are delivered appropriately. In addition to the Christmas boxes we also received boxes of a more general nature designated for specific households. This year, approximately 1,200 Christmas boxes were distributed, in addition to the sponsored family boxes. Photos of some of the recipients are included below and in our online photo gallery.

One family received a special gift. Some years ago, generous sponsorship had allowed Asociatia Neemia to buy a replacement house for a family whose own house was rapidly becoming derelict. The replacement house was old and lacking in facilities but it was basically sound and the agreement was that the family would work on the property and improve its facilities. This they have done and shortly before Christmas the property was transferred into their name as permanent owners.

The end of yet another year and the beginning of the next provides the opportunity to both look backwards with thankfulness and to look forwards in anticipation. What will 2020 bring? Will the new Romanian government actually deliver anything any different from its predecessors? As we pin up a new calendar with its encouraging texts, we are unlikely to find one with the words of Jesus when He said that the poor will always be with you. For those of us working to help the poor this offers the prospect of continuing employment, tempered by the knowledge that as some move out of poverty there will always be those with needs still to be addressed.

During the past ten years AN has registered some 5,000 recipients, mainly households but also including schools, churches and other organisations. Of these, some 1,080 households received material help during the past year. On average these goods were worth about £75 per household or about 4 times the monthly child allowance. In addition, we provided some institutions such as schools with stationery or village churches with giftboxes for the younger members of their congregations.

Throughout the year we have been asked for financial assistance. The rapidly rising prices for food and home energy mean that many people find themselves in difficulty, particularly when they have not been able to make any provision for unexpected bills. In so far as we are able, we try to help in the most deserving cases, and we are grateful to those who have made additional financial resources available for AN to use.

Throughout the year we have received generous supplies of foodstuffs, from sources in the UK and locally. Rice, oil, flour and sugar have been received in bulk, along with smaller quantities of tinned goods and other staples. This food is donated to families in need and is very much appreciated, especially in the winter months when supplies of other food may be limited.

The week before Christmas also saw the occasion of a sponsored hot meal for some of our ‘wild bunch’. These are young people who, generally, have been brought up in the old orphanage system and have not been well integrated into ‘normal’ society. On this occasion, the meal was sponsored by a former resident of Casa Neemia who has gone on to make a better life for himself.

In rural Romania some 95% of households (and 25% of schools) are heated with wood. Due to environmental concerns, firewood is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain legally but, as a result of specific sponsorship, we were once again able to acquire a supply of firewood from a legitimate source and distribute it to some families who were unable to obtain their own.

This month’s featured photos

• A family received the deeds of their house
• Christmas presents and sponsored Gift Boxes
• Warmth comes in many forms

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.
[table id=<23> /]

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, December 2019

Once again thanks are due to all those who helped to prepare and load the latest lorry from Billingshurst. Enough material remains to give a start to next year’s loads and the next loading day at Billingshurst is anticipated to be on 11th January. Before then the Horley-based team will be taking a break over Christmas; the final packing day for this year will be on Friday 20th December and the warehouse will close after normal hours on the following day. The team will resume normal activities on the 3rd and 4th of January respectively. Rumour has it that the south Wales team does not understand the concept of a break and will continue to be active!

We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Costel Punga aged 30. Costel was one of our “ex-orphange boys” who enjoyed working hard and was a great help with the more manual aspects of AN’s work. Photos of him at work appeared quite frequently in our publications, most recently in last month’s edition of these Notes when he was helping to unload the sunflower seeds. He will be sorely missed by those of us who became his substitute family.

Costel was officially regarded as having no fixed abode. The lack of appropriate documentation is a problem for many of the families that we help but it is particularly so for those young people who have grown up in similar circumstances. Without the relevant paperwork it becomes difficult to get access to state services and this is an area where AN and our colleagues are able to help by negotiating with the authorities.

One notable event of the coming month is the distribution of Christmas gift boxes. We have been doing this for some twenty years and, since January 2011 (when detailed records began) we have given out a total of over 18,000 boxes. Our thanks go to those to have donated these boxes and to those who check, pack and label them so diligently. The requests for these gifts always exceeds the supply and a certain amount of wisdom is required in managing expectations that exceed available resources. Whilst it would be fair to say that the number of people who receive nothing else at Christmas is much less than when we started, nonetheless the boxes still bring joy to the faces of those who receive them.

Many rural kindergartens have a period during the final week of November when the children are encouraged to visit some of the elderly or disadvantaged in their village. They may take groceries, simple household necessities and some flowers, and sing to those they visit. AN has been able to contribute to those gifts from the supplies that we receive.

This month’s featured photos

• Costel Punga – In Memoriam
• More stuff!
• Children’s visit to disadvantaged villagers

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.
[table id=<21> /]

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, November 2019

The date is chosen, the arguments intensify, the day draws near with a great deal of hot air in high places and finally – another non-Brexit day passes with much energy expended and so little achieved. Compare this with a RoAF loading day: everybody working together in a common cause, the only debates are about what fits best into the available space, the hot air comes from the efforts of those involved and the final outcome is that a lot of people will benefit from the day’s activity.

October has seemed to be a very long month – the individual days have passed quickly enough but in total it feels like it has passed slowly. Nevertheless, a lot has been accomplished. Last month AN distributed items totalling some £6,700 in local equivalent value to 200 households; this was primarily clothing and food but also included furniture, medical equipment, gardening tools and other household items.

Each year we aim to raise a crop on the land adjoining the warehouse with the intention of having additional food to donate to our registered families. Earlier this year we planted sunflowers and in October, with the help of a local farmer, we harvested enough seeds to obtain some 500 litres of sunflower oil. The seeds were pressed at a local mill and we also received two van-loads of solid by-product. This is highly nutritious and is passed on to households for feeding to pigs or fowl.

School children are usually expected to provide their own exercise books and stationery whilst other classroom resources are often funded by teachers or parents. We regularly receive donations of school books, stock surpluses, misprints and printer’s offcuts which we can pass on.

The AN team has a wide variety of expertise which allows us to co-ordinate or participate in projects outside the day-to-day activities of aid donation. In October, we contributed to two privately funded projects for particular families. In Dimacheni a dilapidated house was replaced (see October’s Notes) whilst in Horlaceni a well was dug for use by two families who currently rely largely on collected rainwater. Access limitations at the site meant that the 19 metre deep well had to be dug using manually operated equipment, with the addition weight of an operator sitting on top.

EU policies designed to protect Romania’s natural forests have led to a steep increase in the price of firewood.
Outside of the major cities the majority of households rely on wood for heating, especially as the price of other forms of energy make them too expensive for regular use. Thanks to specific sponsorship, we have managed to acquire a limited amount of firewood for a few families this winter but we are not able to provide for all those who ask.

A reminder – Like it or not, Christmas is coming! Each year, AN distributes several thousand gift boxes to needy households in the area around Dorohoi. This year’s boxes have already started arriving in Dorohoi but there is still another opportunity to send boxes but they should be with the Horley team without further delay.

This month’s featured photos

• Loading and unloading by volunteers
• New exercise books
• Digging a well at Horlaceni
• Processing the sunflower crop

Photo Gallery: Click on any of the photos for enlargements, more details or similar photos.

Last month’s performance statistics

These statistics give a snapshot of our aid-related activities last month.
[table id=<20> /]

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, October 2019