It has been a long and challenging year in which we have seen the death of hundreds of thousands of people all over the world due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many good people have sadly been taken from us, among them one of our closest and most trusted partners and friends, the founder and leader of All About Love Trust Zimbabwe, Ian Mathole. He was a man with a heart for young people, especially those living in poverty and adverse situations. He was a real asset to the nation of Zimbabwe and someone who touched and changed many lives. I was fortunate to have known him and worked with him closely on a number of projects. We thank the Lord for his service and commitment to improving the lives of those marginalise and often overlooked members of society.
I am pleased to inform you that before his death, Ian passed on the torch to his wife, Tsitsi, who has continued the work of AALTZ, a task she is more than capable of doing as she had always supported Ian in the work and shares his passion for the needy and disadvantaged. We would ask that you continue to remember and pray for her and the team in Zimbabwe as we continue to partner with them in the work they are doing.
Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic not just on the health of people worldwide but also the global economy, the number of people in need of assistance has greatly increased. In response to this, thanks to the charity Community Action Group Zimbabwe, we were able to share the cost of shipping a 40-foot container to Zimbabwe carrying aid for distribution to those most affected.
Our thanks and appreciation go to Tsitsi from AALTZ, Pastor Patrick Dube of Gweru Baptist Church, Excelsior School Arcadia, Benson Chiguri from Rise of Hope Academy, Annette Breda, Moffat Langeveldt and Shirley Brown, all of whom we have partnered with in the distribution of the aid that we sent to Zimbabwe. Through these individuals and organisations, we have been able to distribute school stationery and sports kit, walking frames, wheelchairs, crutches, sports equipment, walking sticks, musical instruments, reading books, children’s toys and clothing as well as two knitting machines and a sewing machine which will be used to make school uniforms and jerseys for the many children supported by AALTZ.
Once again I would like to thank all of you for your support and would like to encourage you to continue to give towards the work that we are doing, especially at this time when so many people are struggling to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At present our greatest need is money for school fees as children are now beginning to return to school. Please consider making a one-off donation or set up a regular payment plan to sponsor a child through school.
We will be posting more photos and stories from the organisations who received items through our container to Zimbabwe. Remember to check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for updates.