It’s been a while since I posted here. It’s been slow progress as far as the project goes…I’ve been working hard trying to fundraise (don’t think I’m very good at it! hehehe) and have been making slow progress. We now have $1000 towards the shipping, which is only about 10% of the cost.
I’ve been feeling discouraged and intimidated about it all, and frustrated that I have a container load of valuable medical supplies sitting in my garage, when they could be helping people. As a nurse I can only imagine the frustrations of trying to care for people without adequate supplies, a point noted in the video I have posted below, by Dr Paul Thistle of the Howard Hosptial.
In one of the first posts on this blog right back at the beginning of this project, I remember being all too well aware of the risk of failure, and I was (and still am) prepared to risk it because I think the chance of success is abslutely worth it! These medical supplies WILL make a real difference for people living lives we can only begin to imagine.
This project, if I manage to pull it off, along with the help of people around me and anyone else willing to get on board, will be the biggest thing I’ve ever done for other people, and I’m so excited about it. When I’m feeling discouraged I only have to imagine the day we seal up the container full of goods and send it on it’s way, or the day it arrives in Zimbabwe and is unpacked into hospital store rooms, boosting the morale of the tireless medical and nursing staff there, and I get inspired again.
Having duly noted that my personal fundraising efforts to date ($1000) has been rather slow, I have been looking at other options. It’s a steep learning curve for me and I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who have done this before who could do it better, but you know what….I wanted to get my hands dirty and get involved. I didn’t just want to send a cheque (as improtant as that is). Anyway…I digress….
I will continue to do what I am doing (selling candles, and soaps etc….see above links), and would still absolutely welcome any donations (please) but in addition to this I am starting the process of applying for grants which are available through the NZ Government as well as various Charitable Trusts. This can be a lengthy and tedious process with lots of paper work and probably red tape.
If you’re reading this there are a few ways you can help.
- Consider a donation. You can donate online here via paypal (it’s an easy to follow form. You can use a credit card) or email me at makeaplanworld@gmail.com It doesn’t matter how small you think your contribution is. Every little bit counts.
- Buy something from the store. See tabs and the top of the page. All profits go towards the shipping.
- Help with the grant application process. Email me if you can do this at makeaplanworld@gmail.com
- Spread the word. Pass this website link on to anyone you know why may be interested or able to help.
Thanks!
Filed under: Donations, Project Zimbabwe, Shipping, Store, Tasks
