Back in December we held a fund raising brunch for my old gardener in Zimbabwe, Henry who was very ill. The money raised was to pay for food and medical supplies that were needed to help Henry during this illness. The doctors were concerned about his condition and suggested that the money raised be used to comfort him in his last few months. Today, we received word that Henry passed away today at his home in the rural area of Bindura.He will be buried tomorrow March 19th. His family asked us to thank everyone for their wonderful support and helping to raise money and ease his suffering.
Thank you so much – this is so sad, but I find comfort in knowing that so many of you supported him, even from so many miles away.
Viv
If individual men and women allow evil to advance unchecked, it will prevail and more people will suffer and starve” – Ben Freeth
This was spoken in response to the video that has come out entitled Mugabe and the white African, a film that follows 75-year old grandfather Mike Campbell, his son-in-law Ben Freeth and their family over a period of approximately 18 months. White Zimbabwean farmers, they courageously refuse to hand over their Mount Carmel farm to Zanu PF thugs, despite frequent and intensifying violence, both threatened and actual.
Unfortunately the DVD has not yet been released here in the States, so until then the trailer which can be found at http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi3334668825/ is all we have to go on, but if a trailer can bring me to tears then that only promises to be a gut wrenching watch when out for general viewing. A good friend of mine knows Ben and his family and speaking with her about the situation has been absolutely incredible – I am normally not one for movies about back home, too close to the bone etc etc but I encourage everyone to at least watch the trailer before making up their minds whether this is for them or not.
Viv
Last month we had a fundraiser brunch for our old gardener back in Zimbabwe. Henry has been diagnosed with what they think is cancer of the esophagus and due to lack of funds he had not been able to go to a doctor earlier for treatment. The “lack” of funds was US $30 so the brunch was used to raise money to pay for his doctor visits and also food packages for him to pay for the special soft foods he needs. A food parcel costs around $30 each month. We had an awesome time, great fun was had by all and we raised almost $250 – thank you everyone who contributed.
The money has been placed into a bank account for Henry with an outreach group for Henry who are now giving him the food parcels each month and using the money for him as the need arises.
x Viv
