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 5 Lei - worth just over £1 - but the unemployment is about 70%. Municipal budgets don't
balance, and there is very little state support for those without any
income. The prices of food, fuel, energy and medicines are approaching those
elsewhere in the EU and those with low, or no, incomes are losing the ability to
afford these essentials.
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 as providing additional funding to help improve the working conditions of our Romanian staff. In each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 we were able to send 9 lorries (well over 100 tons each year), and there is no sign of the supply drying up. Whilst things are getting better for many people in Romania there has been no reduction in the of plight of those needy people 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. The team now includes a qualified social worker, who is able to spend more time with each family and offer advice in their situations.
Our shop in Dorohoi offers good quality clothing at reasonable prices to those who would not qualify for free aid. 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 warehouses. Rent and insurance have to be paid.
Other costs include stationery, packing materials and publicity. Altogether,
this amounts to about £5,500 each year, or 40 people each giving £10 per month
(including the gift aid returns).
Transportation
Each lorry currently costs about £2,600 to pay for fuel, ferries and road
taxes. If 15 people committed to just £15 a month that would pay for
one lorry a year - and if they were tax payers and gift aided their donations, 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 sunflowers that can then be donated to needy families in the form of
flour or oil. The warehouse is owned freehold by the charity, but there are
taxes, fuel and maintenance costs. Normally, all the warehouse costs are covered
by the income from the shop.
The Office
The office is the focus of activities in Dorohoi. The office is owned by the
charity, but there are taxes, heating and maintenance costs. Normally, all these
costs are covered by the income from the shop.
Clothing Shop
The shop usually covers all the costs of the operations in Romania,
including the wages of the aid distribution team, the vehicles, the property
costs and expenses such as fuel and power bills. However, when the stock
falls below a certain level it needs a subsidy from the UK. £15 will
pay the direct wages and taxes for a member of staff for 1 week. The shop
normally generates a small surplus each year, which is used to help people with
direct expenses such as heating or medical costs.
==+==+==+==
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
