January 15, 2004, Derek Wade, Director of Euro Aid,

A Cry For Help!!!

Image Caption: Impossible Piecomma all you need

Impossible Piecomma all you need

Submitted

The HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY project started in 1993. The original aim was to provide for victims of the war in Bosnia and Croatia. That year 600 boxes were sent to Croatia. The project has since grown and now sends much needed parcels to many of the countries in Eastern Europe. In 2000 13,761 parcels were sent, in 2001 17,302, in 2002 22,181 and this year so far a massive 29,000 boxes have been sent out, but they wait in anticipation to see what the final total is for this year. The project is now in its 11th year but the need does not appear to be getting any the less. Harvest for the Hungry was the vision of Derek Wade who lives and works in Kettering, Northamptonshire. It is there they currently have their warehouse and this is the main depot for sending out empty flat pack parcels nation wide. The project began with the food being packed into photocopier paper boxes and has since developed into using custom made boxes which are shipped at a reduced rate across the country by Securicor Omega. Each year thousands of people struggle to survive the harsh winter in Eastern Europe. Poor living conditions with inadequate heating and insulation, unemployment and homelessness because of the various armed conflicts in the region over the past decade, all contribute to a sad situation where desperate people are crying out for help. Whilst some of their neighbouring countries look forward to the benefits of becoming members of the European Union, the countries shown on the map still need all the help they can get. Particularly vulnerable are the sick, the elderly, large poor families, those with disabilities, refugees, orphans and abandoned children. Harvest for the Hungry 2003 will supply much needed food parcels to such people in these countries. Albania, Moldova and Montenegro have been added to the countries that will benefit from this year’s project. Albania and Moldova are listed as the two poorest countries in Europe, with their economies in tatters and extremely high levels of unemployment. Bosnia. If you wish to help specifically for the people of Bosnia please note that, as we at Deva have experienced in the past, there are particular complex and disruptive customs regulations so our friends at Euroaid suggest that we sponsor a box by a contribution of £10.00. Euroaid representatives will use these funds to purchase goods in Bosnia for distribution. At Deva we have a history of concern for the people in the Balkans and in particular Croatia (Zvonko Kovacic sent us their love and greetings recently) since the days when we delivered Humanitarian Aid to them during their difficult times. There are still Bosnian refugees living in and around Daruvar, where Zvonko is Director of Social Services. Finally a word from the founder of Euroaid Ÿ every box will be given to those who really need such help Ÿ every box will be distributed by trusted national partners Ÿ every box will bring hope by showing that the recipients are not forgotten, that somebody cares - that you care!