So Many Boxes…

Our latest donation arrived on Thursday in a 20cbm truck packed to capacity with boxes of basic medical goods. These are going to be sent to help a hospital in Zimbabwe.

Somehow the photos don’t do well to show the true volume, but it is stacked box upon box with no gaps and right up to the beams in the garage.

Many thanks to Jeff, Alan and Ross, who did all the hard work of loading it all up carton at a time, and then unloading it carton at a time.

Make A Plan now on Facebook!

Well, it’s all happening around here with a few donations towards the shipping (THANK YOU!!) and a store coming and now we’re on Facebook! Having a Facebook group is a great way to spread the news and hopefully raise a few bucks. If you’re on Facebook, come and join the group Here. I’m not sure if that link will work if you’re not a Facebook user or if you’re not logged in but it’s easy to find by using the search function. Search groups for Make A Plan.

Store Coming Soon!

I am very excited to announce that soon we will have a range of products for sale to help raise funds for Make A Plan projects. Obviously the first project benefiting will be Project Zimbabwe but I hope that once this project is completed, to continue the work with other projects.

Anyway, the store…I have some great products lined up including a natural skin care range, handmade natural soaps and shampoo’s, candles, baby goods, and a few more that I can’t announce just yet.

I know some amazing people (mostly women and mostly mothers at home with their children) who use their skills to create quality products. This will be an opportunity to showcase their creative work as well as raise money for charitable projects. Some of the goods for sale will be donated, and others purchased at wholesale prices for sale at profit.

Watch this space!

More Good News

Today I was blown away once again by another large donation of medical goods. Many thanks to our donor who has asked not to be identified. Your contribution has been amazing and will make an enormous difference for people who are in hard times.

We have been given another 12 pallets of medical supplies. The sheer quantity is way beyond my expectations. This amounts to approximately $55,000 worth of goods.

Of course this means our shipping will cost more, but the value of the goods, and the difficulty of obtaining them on the ground in Zimbabwe means it is still very worthwhile doing.

We are still raising funds for the shipping and would be grateful for any contributions even if they are small! You can donate online via paypal. To donate now, click here. All donations will be administered through Horizon International church which is a registered Charitable Trust in New Zealand. All donors will received a receipt should you provide your address when you donate. In NZ, donations to a charitable trust are eligible for a tax rebate. Don’t forget that recent changes to the donations rebate means that you can get 33% back up to the level of your income.

Please could you spread the word as much as you can. Every little bit will help, and we can make a significant difference for people whose lives are very hard. Thanks.

Progress Update 25/6/08

We are raising funds for shipping the goods collected so far, which is estimated to be about NZ$ 2000. So far we have just over NZ$400. People can donate via paypal, or can also help participating in these auctions on Trademe. The proceeds from these auctions will go towards shipping costs. Thanks so much to those who have contributed so far.

The situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate so the plan is to send the goods as soon as possible even if that means sending several smaller shipments. Will keep you posted.

Another donation 28/5/08

Thank you so much to my former colleague Shona who has kindly donated a large bag of expired stock from her place of work that would otherwise have ended up in the bin. (!)

The donation includes over 100 transparent dressings, lots of needles, some syringes and plenty of non-adhesive dressings, tapes, saline, sterile water, and foley and suction catheters, as well as various other bits and pieces. Many thanks for your support.

Progress update 22/5/08

( Click image to enlarge )

Here is the first donated medical goods. Thank you so very much. Now it feels like the project is really underway.

First Donation

Several companies have been approached so far and the first of these to respond today has generously donated approximately 4 pallets (!!) of goods. The donor wishes to remain anonymous, but Thank You! Your generosity will make a difference in the lives of many people. Photos here.

About Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a nation in crisis. Over recent years it has been affected by HIV/AIDS, experienced economic collapse and drought and is currently in political turmoil. The need is great.

• Around 600,000 are homeless
• 83% live on less than $2 a day
• Life expectancy has dropped from 60 years in 1990 to now just 34 and the lowest in the world
• Inflation is at 11.2 million% (this is not a typo!)
• 1.3 Million people are living with HIV/AIDS
• There are shortages of food, water, fuel, and power
• Current political instability

The Make a Plan project cannot solve Zimbabwe’s problems, but we CAN make a real difference in the lives of many individuals. See how you can help here.

Items Required

Here is the list of items requested from Howard Hospital:

Items Required