Help Pay Volmoed Staff Wages in lean winter months

Warm greetings! The last few months have moved us from intense winter and short days, long nights, to the beauty and warmth of summer with its shorter nights and longer days of peaceful light.

Volmoed has been busy with all sorts of activities, with people coming for individual and group retreats, a week of exciting events for our 40^th anniversary, an end of year staff event, and an upcoming annual Christmas Carol Picnic Singalong. Some of the staff also attended the Annual Meeting at the end of October. None of this could happen without our wonderful staff, and as always, we are more than grateful for all they do, and the ways they go above and beyond the call of duty.

The staff enjoyed a well-deserved end of year event last week. They attended the South African National Space Centre which is right here in Hermanus!  The research and work carried out there focuses on Earth observation, space science, space engineering and space operations .If you’re curious to know more, read here: https://www.sansa.org.za  They loved the visit and afterwards they enjoyed a fish and chips lunch at the new harbour in town, posing for photos at various viewpoints. 

We had to say another goodbye, to Lucas, who has worked here for over twenty five years, and manages the complex irrigation and water filtration systems of the property.  He has trained up a couple of the newer staff , Zukanye and Bradley, to take over these important tasks.  We said hello and welcome, wamkelekile! to Zandile, our new admin assistant in the front office. She is being onboarded this month by Esther, who shifts to a new position with responsibility for programs and retreat admin and logistics. We are excited about these and other organisational changes at Volmoed, as the leadership shifts from the Original Generations of people, to New Generations of people who are younger and have energy to carry Volmoed into the future. 

We are so grateful to those who donate to this particular project, as it directly benefits the staff in their times of greatest need.  One of our staff was struggling with back pain last month, and the funds paid for his visits to the doctor and further treatment. 

Our very best wishes to you as the calendar year draws to a close and a HUGE THANK YOU!  to all of you for your generous donations throughout the year, and especially to those who gave on Giving Tuesday. May your end of year celebrations and holidays bring you great joy and the new year lead you forward into peace, truth and beauty.

Thank you!   Dankie!   Enkosi!   Tathenda! 

Links:

• Volmoed Retreat & Conference Center

• Volmoed Staff Report with PICTURES! (PDF)