After months without being able to hold monthly meetings, Dawlish & District U3A members were delighted to be able meet again in November. Sadly, it could not be face to face, but gathering on Zoom was a good alternative.

They returned to a country they heard about two years ago when Chair Graham Carey talked about his experiences of living and working in Moldova with the Salvation Army. This time, Hugh Scudder updated members on life in that country, the poorest in Europe, and now further ravaged by the impact of Covid-19.

Hugh is a volunteer for cr2ee (Christian Response in Eastern Europe). For thirty years the organisation has been in the forefront of aid to the people of that neglected country.

A daily struggle to survive

Members were truly shocked by what he had to show about the grinding poverty experienced by so many people. There is a daily struggle to survive, to provide shelter, to clothe and feed families.

Healthcare and education are rudimentary, housing is frequently overcrowded and decrepit, while basic provisions such as running water, heating, lighting, and adequate clothing are not available to so many Moldovans.

This link to the cr2ee newsletter gives a glimpse of what is happening there, and how cr2ee are supporting the local communities.

In the thirty years since Moldova broke away from the Soviet Union and became an independent country, cr2ee volunteers have been driving lorries from the UK loaded with supplies of all kinds – clothing, footwear, blankets, disability aids, educational materials, toys, books – anything which children and adults of all ages need, and which we so often take for granted.

How you can help

At this time of the year, there is a campaign across the area to collect 'shoe boxes' for Moldova, each one filled with Christmas presents of all kinds for children who have so little.

In the past few days, Graham Carey collected a large number from Kenn primary school where the children have been eagerly supporting this project.

If you would like to donate a shoe box, the deadline is 7th December. Hugh asks everyone to make sure there is a clear label to indicate the age and sex of the child it is intended for (eg girl aged 5-8 years). He urges us to make sure that everything is of good quality as these children deserve the best!

To find out more about how you can support cr2ee, visit their website cr2ee or ring Hugh Scudder on 01626 891945.

Cr2ee is based in Exmouth and is generously supported by local businesses and people.

The cr2ee appeal continues throughout the year, not just for Christmas, so please do find out how you can help!