By Wilma Jakobsen | Project Leader
VOLMOED STAFF REPORT FOR AUGUST 2023
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS!
These are difficult times for our staff who are cleaners, maintenance and ground staff. South Africa’s economy is struggling, the winter is long and hard, with daily rolling blackouts called loadshedding on a schedule, and rising costs of all essentials including food, fuel and electricity. As always, we are grateful for so much.
In early June the rain storms created new rivers and ponds in many places, and washed away one of our bridges to get to the Grotto and the waterfall. It floated down the fast flowing river, thankfully over the next bridge as the water was so high, and landed in the bushes in one piece. A few days later when the water had subsided a bit, the intrepid staff managed to wade into the river and pull it out with a tractor. With some fixing of the slats, it was put back a few weeks ago. Meanwhile the rain continues, and our staff are still standing and full of good will and humor.
We started a new gathering on Wednesday mornings to build community with our staff. Each week, one of the staff tells their story of where they were before they came to Volmoed, how they came to Volmoed, and what Volmoed means to them. We have heard some wonderful stories and laughed a lot, and got to know each other better.
Our finances at Volmoed continue to be challenging, as the heavy, difficult bad weather winter means that people often cancel their planned visits until the weather is better. It also makes it difficult for outdoor staff to do their work. Yet they continue to beautify this beautiful place. Currently they are working to put a bamboo shade cover over our boma where groups can barbecue and enjoy a camp fire around a fire pit. Their commitment to Volmoed is a gift to us all.
They are a gift to Volmoed, as you are a gift to Volmoed. Thank you so much!
YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!
THANK YOU!
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