The Computer project continued with Rotarians from three clubs in Hull packing them ready for shipment. 75 complete systems were packed and a further 40 boxes containing printers, monitors, keyboards, bases units, mice and other peripheral equipment. This equipment has been distributed to schools in the Sophia region. A further nine computer "halls" have been set up to the delight of staff and students alike.
Christine was present at the "handover" ceremony in two of the schools to witness the pleasure of the recipients. The Mayor of Sofia, Stephan Sophianski was also present and thanked her for this donation of computers. A letter was received from him confirming his appreciation for these valuable educational tools.
Computers were given to a Home for the Elderly in Bourgas for Administration and to the Smelost "Club" for the Disabled in Rousse (two systems for training). The Childrens Ward in Rousse Hospital also received two for Administration and Research and the Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon in Rousse Hospital also received a new complete system for a project designed to identify and help children who are deaf & dumb. At present there is no national register and many children do not have access to the help that is available.
The Rotarians in Bourgas identified a disabled lady confined to her apartment in a wheelchair who desperately needed a computer to be able to work from home. She cried with gratitude when Christine delivered a system to her.
56 Home Start boxes were filled and many more Comfort Bags for the old people.
Clothes for the young people were packed and donors approached to find the many items requested.
Fund-raising events were held to meet the costs of all these projects:
Two successful Craft Fairs were held at the Cottingham Civic Hall in East Yorkshire, car boot sales and the sale of home made preserves also raised funds for transportation.
1540 Rotary Shoeboxes were taken and distributed to deprived children in orphanages, hospitals and schools. These were received with delight by the children.
Many wheelchairs including some for children were given to the Club Smelost for Disabled People in Rousse and the Paediatric Hospital in Sophia. It is hard to describe the difference these wheelchairs make to the lives of those who receive them also to their carers. It often means the difference to being confined to an appartment in a tower block and being able to go outside, meet people, enjoy the sunshine and the world outside of four walls.
In August 2004 another 40 foot container was packed with Incontinence Products of all kinds. This was sent to Bourgas to be distributed by the Rotarians of the Bourgas Rotary Club. These products, many of them washable, will go to Homes for the Elderly and Mentally Handicapped Disabled Children and Adults.
Copy of email from Ediz Lutfi the Director of the Agency for International Aid.
Your donation to Bulgaria in September, 2004
ROTARY CLUB OF HULL
Pearson Park Hotel, Hull
East Yorkshire, England
President: Andrew Milner
Mike/Christine Dagwell
DEAR SIRS,
In September 2004 the Agency for International Aid received a donation - Humanitarian Aid from ROTARY CLUB OF HULL – England, including incontinence pads, sheets, underwear, etc.
Please be informed that upon arrival to Bulgaria the cargo was checked by CARGO SURVEY & SOFTWEAR - Bourgas - an independent control organization. The cargo was with non-disrupted seals and after 100% counting of items and comparing quantities declared with quantities ascertained, there were no differences.
The donation was exempted from custom duties and handed over to the final beneficiaries fixed by the donor as follows:
1) Social Home for Adults with demention – village of Ognen, Karnobat Municipality;
2) Social Home for Elderly People with a ward for bed-ridden persons – village of Lozarevo, Sungurlare Municipality;
3) Social Home for mentally retarded children and teenagers – village of Iskra, Karnobat Municipality;
4) Social Home for Adults with Demention – village of Slavyanci, Soungurlare Municipality;
5) Social Home for Adults with Physical Injuries – village of Goritza, Pomorie Municipality;
6) Social Home for Adults with physical Injuries – village of Yasna Polyana, Primorsko Municipality.
By this letter I would like to take the advantage to thank you on behalf of the Agency for International Aid for your charitable activities and we hope that our mutual cooperation will continue in the future.
Director:
Ediz Lutfi
