The experienced runner, Tor Clausen, said he wholeheartedly supported the work that the Fund is doing. “We read headlines in the news every day on how difficult the life of the elderly is in the UK – I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be for the elderly in Zimbabwe. I have nothing but utmost respect for the senior generation,” he said.
ZAF was established in the UK by Sean Kelly to source medical equipment and consumables and to raise funds to support pensioners back home. The plight of the elderly is one of the less publicised outcomes of Zimbabwe’s social, economic and political collapse. There are a number of facilities for the aged spread throughout the country, most of which are dependent on various levels of external funding to survive.
“While the raising of funds for food is vital, of equal importance is the provision of medical services. Most of the medical facilities in Zimbabwe are run down. There is a lack of trained staff, a shortage of funds for medicines and consumables and most of the equipment is extremely old with many items being unserviceable as there are not the funds, skills or spare parts to repair them,” said Kelly.
Donors to ZAF are assured that all donated funds are accounted for. No money is paid over to Zimbabwean Government Agencies, international aid agencies or NGO’s. The activities of the Fund are audited annually by a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. The fund has no salaried employees and all work is done on a voluntary basis.
“These elderly pensioners are very proud and are not looking for sympathy; however they are very appreciative of the assistance they receive. The supply of medical equipment and medical consumables and food from overseas donors is crucial to their very survival. They do not have any means of conveying their gratitude to those overseas, but convey their thanks to those on the ground and are often reduced to tears when given a box of very basic foodstuffs,” said Kelly. – UK Charity Number: 5021130 For more info pse visit www.zimbabweaidfund.co.uk
Post published in: News