The reports out of Zimbabwe continue to highlight the plight of the elderly folk and the complexities of how to help them whilst staying within the budget constraints, which are directly linked to the will and compassion of the donors.
Please read the reports below and know that every dollar given is used to directly to benefit the old folk who have nobody else to turn to in their declining years:
Richard F
Richard F (78) was referred to us by one of our SOAP volunteers as a potential beneficiary for a monthly food/veg parcel. However, during my visit, Richard was very open and honest in explaining that such assistance would unfortunately not be suitable for his circumstances, as he has very limited access to electricity and is often unable to cook.
Richard lives alone in his own home. He worked for a parastatal for approximately 25 years and used his retirement package to settle the property. While this provides him with security of tenure, the home has deteriorated over time, and he currently has no regular income. Richard has expressed interest in selling the property, although he appears to lack the motivation or support needed to initiate this process.
Richard suffered a significant emotional setback following the sudden passing of his wife 5 years ago, and around the same period, he also lost his musical partner, who had provided him with part-time income. These losses have clearly had a lasting impact on him.
He has no children or close family support. Richard is extremely thin and appears to have very limited food intake. While he reports no major medical conditions, he does suffer from low blood pressure, which leaves him feeling weak, dizzy, and at risk of fainting.
Richard is a humble and honest individual who is reluctant to ask for assistance, but it is evident that he is currently vulnerable. He would benefit greatly from regular support, particularly in the form of food assistance that does not require cooking, as well as guidance and encouragement regarding the potential sale of his home.
I believe we can help him with help and advice as we support him to sell his home and enable him to move into a care home where he will be well fed and have some company.
* Names and images may have been changed for privacy reasons
If you are already a ZANE donor, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you are not a donor but would like to be, please follow the link below and know that every donation, however big or small, goes directly to where it is most needed. If you would like to help but can’t donate, please join the ZANE family and ‘like’ or ‘share’ our posts or write us a Google review – every positive step helps spread the word about the life changing work ZANE does.
Thank you – Nicky Passaportis ZANE Australia
Please donate to support pensioners struggling to survive in Zimbabwe
Any assistance is greatly appreciated and goes a long way to giving our pensioners a better quality of life and lift the pressure of money worries which is very debilitating emotionally.
(Donations made to ZANE in Australia, are tax-deductible)