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This newsletter tells of the fabulous fundraising events which have occurred over Matthew Rusikie week – which in the end stretched to the whole of June. There are also some lovely photos of the Home’s trip to Lake Kariba in August – a long awaited treat for some of the children.

Zimbabwee is still in the middle of hyper-inflation and this seriously impacting the Home. Things are very difficult indeed. The Newsletter includes details of just how much it costs to care for a child at the Home today.

The Outreach Project at Donga reports on progress and there is much support needed there. Anything you can do to help would be very much appreciated.

Please note the Home is eligible for Government support for children with a valid court order. Of the 94 children currently at the Home, this relates to only 9, so any help you can give will be made careful use of. Thank you.

Our remaining packets of Christmas cards are now available for purchase and our e-cards available via Don’t Send Me A Card are being update this week and will be available shortly.

This quarter and update from the Home, reports Zimbabwe may be facing a major food crisis this year, a combination of poor rainfall and shortages due to the war in Ukraine being particularly felt. Crops grown by the Home are affected. The cost of fuel is also affecting the Home, the generator can only be run for a few hours each day as a result. On the up side there is great news about some of the students sitting national exams and the annual event – Matthew Rusike Week – will be returning to fundraise for the first time since 2019.

There is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in caring for children at the Home. It is amazing how quickly it adds up. Please take a look and see if you can help.

David and Wayne report back on the fundraising drive in a 91 year old Ford from London to John O’Graots, to Lands End and back to London. Quite an undertaking. There is still time to contribute to their final tally.

There is lots of news from the Home this quarter: exams sat, COVID restrictions re-introduced then lifted. The piggery and rabbit rearing projects performance and photographs of the renovations of the Early Childhood Development Centre play area.

The MRCH Finance Officer confirmed some key details for us this month, which we wanted to share regarding costs for feeding and clothing 1 child, medication and uniform costs. We humbly ask you consider returning to fundraising activities where you can – we are only able to send half the month remittance compared to our pre-COVID performance.

Our latest newsletter is now available, with lots of news from the Home, with information this time from the Centre at Donga too.

This quarter we would also like to bring your attention to the needs of a particular student at University. MRCH try to cover his fees, but are struggling to do so, if you feel you can contribute, please contact out Treasurer.

Please also remember we have now changed our Bank and if you haven’t already, please make sure you have updated your Standing Orders – the old bank account will finally close on December 20th. Thank you.

Your newsletter this time reports on how adults and children coped with their first outbreak of covid 19 at the Home. We also introduce the new social worker Rumbidzai Mashoko.

Please note, we have changed our bank account. Information is contained in the newsletter. We are now with the Cooperative Bank. If you have set up a standing order with us please contact your bank and change the details to our new account, the old account will close on December 20th 2021. 

 Banks do not switch standing orders automatically.

It is important you make the switch because your donations continue to be vital to the support we give to the children at MRCH.

For the moment our HSBC account is still open but will be closed at the end of September.

We are also hoping to offer digital Christmas cards this year – watch this space for information.

It is with great sadness that in this Newsletter we announce the death of one of our founding committee members – John Richer. John was with us at the inaugural meeting of the Friends in 1996 and he served as our Secretary for many years. He will be greatly missed.

We are pleased to be able to relay that all staff have now had their COVID vaccines. Under COVID restrictions the children are able to attend 2-3 days of school a week at present and everyone is well.

MRCH is undergoing a significant staff restructuring partially as a necessary cost cutting exercise but also to ensure compliance with government requirements for a qualified and experienced social worker – this is currently being advertised.

We also extend out congratulations to all the students who have passed O-level and A-level examinations in recent months.

Our donations have been severely effected by the pandemic as fundraising opportunities are so restricted. Please remember there are a number of ways you can make one off donations – they will be greatly appreciated. Stay Safe.