MORE news from South Africa

Dear Friends of Romex.

With this message I would like to give you some report back for the Year 2012.

            Another year has passed during which we were able to help many desperate People and Institutions. This is all possible due to your continued support.

            Do you know? We are reaching a Milestone: Container number 100 will arrive in January with Wheel Chairs from the UK. This is a very welcome delivery since our stocks are totally depleted. Even the used chairs which we received through a donation from Physionet in the UKare put to good use in various parts of our district 9320.

            You may not have heard of the developments here: Next Year our District 9320 (250 000 Km2) will be merged with District 9270 (138000 Km2). The new District will be known as District 9370 ( 388000 Km2). This is larger then Germany or Montana.

ROMEX has been asked to continue to serve this new District. If you look at the map of the new District 9370 with a population of some 13 Million People you will notice that we are still mainly a rural district without the big industries which you find aroundJohannesburg and Cape Town. So I expect that the pressure will be on us to increase the number of containers with medical consumables and aids for clinics and the old age industry. We know that the need around the World is great and we are also aware that the recession which has gripped the whole World, has diminished the resources available to you Rotarians. Perhaps this was the reason why during this year we only had 2 container deliveries; one each from Canada and the UK. Our district appreciates the work ROMEX is doing and as sign of their appreciation they presented me with a Sapphire which I accepted on behalf of all those that are involved in ROMEX.

            I asked one of our local sisters who works as a Matron in one of our local homes to compile a needs list in consultation with other institutions. You will notice that these are mainly low cost “consumables” and this highlights that not only are there no funds for major equipment but also low cost items are desperately needed. Added to this is the fact that our Government is making access to funding more difficult for non State- run institutions. Government is also clamping down on illegal imports in an effort to maximize Customs revenue. While this is to be supported as it is good for the Country, it means for us that the importation of donations is made more cumbersome. So, when you have collected sufficient item to fill a container, I would suggest that you send a “provisional” packing list to me so I can suggest which items should better not be sent.

            As a matter of interest: Our warehouse is now also being utilized, space permitting, by east London’s  8 Rotary Clubs to sort local donations for distribution to worthy organizations and individuals. Right now we are sorting through fire- fighting equipment and uniforms for distribution to communities living in high density informal settlements. They often loose all their belongings in a matter of Hours because fire fighting services take too long to arrive.

As you can see: ROMEX is alive and well!  And with the wish that you will soon send a container our way again and the warmest Christmas Greetings to you, your Family and fellow Rotarians

            I am Yours in Rotary Service

            Rainer

            (Chairman)