Money matters
£50 is
the average rate of pay in the UK for half a day's work, 
and
our unemployment rate is around 3%. In north-eastern Romania the
average pay for half a day's work is about 50,000 Lei - worth just
under £1 - but the unemployment is about 70%. Municipal budgets don't
balance, and there is very little state support for those without any
income.
During 2003 the Romanian Aid Foundation sent out five lorries (nearly 100 tons) of clothes, food and furniture which was distributed to 2,500 families - with an average sized family of five, that means that up to 12,500 people have benefited during this past year. In 2004 we sent 7 lorry-loads of aid, as well and providing additional funding to help improve the working conditions of our Romanian staff. By mid-March 2005 the second consignment of the year had been delivered, and there is no sign of the supply drying up. Whilst things are getting better for many people in Romania there is no sign of any reduction in the needs of those who have been left behind by the progress that is made elsewhere.
Distribution of clothing and other aid is undertaken by an experienced, full-time team in Dorohoi. Each applicant is registered at our office, with details such as family make-up, employment status and any special factors being recorded. This cuts down on fraudulent applications, but it also allows the team to keep in touch with the people receiving aid, to follow up with further help as appropriate. Our shop in Dorohoi offers good quality clothing at reasonable prices to those who would not qualify for free aid. Income from the shop helps to fund the work of aid distribution, provides employment, and offers an opportunity to learn new skills. Surplus funds from the shop help to fund expenses such as medical costs for those who cannot afford them. The proportion of donated items that can be sold is limited in order to keep items available for donation to those in the greatest need.
Over the past ten years we have prepared a series of newsletters to keep our supporters informed about the work that we are doing. RoAF has its own website that has an introduction to our work, our newsletters and other information.
But it costs ...
Packing and Storage
Prior to packing and whilst awaiting transport, the clothing and
other items are held in our UK warehouse. Costs include stationery and
packing materials, plus there are rates and electricity bills to be
paid.
Transportation
Each lorry costs about £1,800 to pay for fuel, ferries and road
taxes. If 15 people committed to just £10 a month that would pay for
one lorry a year - and if they were tax payers and gift aided, the
taxman would also give us an extra £28 for every £100 received,
meaning that the fifth lorry could effectively cost us nothing!
Storage and sorting
The warehouse in Dorohoi has become an essential tool in the
process of distributing aid. It has about 2,500 sq ft of secure floor
space and a parking area that can accommodate 4 large lorries. It is
set in about 2 acres of land, which is used for growing crops such as
maize or potatoes that can then be donated to needy families. We need
£8,500 for repairs and an extension to the warehouse.
Clothing Shop
The shop usually covers the wages of the aid distribution team, and expenses such as fuel and power bills. However, when the stock
falls below a certain level it needs a subsidy from the UK. £10 will
pay the direct wages of a member of staff for 1 week.
Feedback and Publicity
Our publicity is sponsored separately and does not divert funding
from the relief work in Romania.
==+==+==+==
All money given for transport or the warehouse will be used exclusively for that purpose; all of the UK-based personnel, including the lorry drivers, are volunteers and therefore our overhead costs are very low. If you feel able to help, all you need do is complete the response form and forward it to the address at the bottom and we will be in touch.
on behalf of those who
need your help, Thank you
