It was with sadness that we learnt of the passing of Lesley Butcher last month. Lesley and her husband, Peter, were amongst the original members of the aid initiative that subsequently became the Romanian Aid Foundation. They were part of the first group to visit Dorohoi in 1994; Peter was one of the minibus drivers and Lesley oversaw the group catering (memories of frozen Jammie-Dodgers). Subsequently, Peter often drove one of the Royal Mail trucks whilst Lesley kept track of the loading, often staying up late to ensure that the paperwork was ready for departure day. She will be missed.
February was, as we have come to expect, the coldest month of the winter. A warmer-than-average January gave some relief in the costs of heating but February reminded us that spring is not yet here. Consequently, requests for help continue to keep us busy. Spring is on its way but the needs and requests for help still remain at the winter level for another month or so. We have been able to donate food to many people alongside the donation of clothing as usual.
We have been able to respond to requests for firewood, using stocks prepared in late autumn using specific sponsorships. Some firewood has been distributed to nominated households in accordance with our sponsors’ requests. Firewood is distributed about once a month to those registered for it, and the quantity should be sufficient for careful use in the typical single-room household.
We continue to receive food from a local supermarket. There is some work involved in collecting it but the quantity usually justifies the cost and time involved. The number of people asking for the food often exceeds the amount available each day.
Annual housing taxes (similar to ‘council tax’)are due this month and we have many requests for help with the bills. Unfortunately, our own rising costs mean that we cannot help as many people as we would like. Last year’s total for our premises (office, shop, Casa Neemia and warehouse) was approximately £3,000 and we anticipate that the figure will be higher this year. We continue to be grateful to our supporters who enable bills like this to be met without compromising our help for the most needy households.
This Month’s Featured Photos
Lesley Butcher: Checking a load … With the driving team … Creating memories
Aid Activities: Delivering firewood … Managing the food donations … Completing the paperwork
Last Month’s Statistics
Awaiting preparation
This Month’s Prayer Notes
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Link to this month’s Prayer Notes
