Trucks are not best way to distribute aid

I read in the Evening Post this week the story of a postman taking part in a convoy of lorries taking aid to orphanages in Bulgaria and of course him and all of the people involved should be commended for their efforts, however this is not a cost-effective way to distribute aid.

I am the chairman and founder of the Holding Out Hope registered charity and we have been supporting institutions in Romania and Bulgaria since 1992.

We found that to drive a truck there and back would cost a minimum of £2,000, so we stopped driving and started fundraising cash, which we would then take to institutions, where we would buy whatever they would tell us that they need. Our volunteers have often paid for their own flights, which means every penny that we raise goes direct to the institutions.

Secondhand clothes shops are now big business all over Romania and Bulgaria, so it is possible to buy clothes, shoes and any other supplies required.

On one of our recent trips to Bulgaria, our two volunteers were able to replace a really vile seclusion room, with a relaxation room, offering a more humane approach to care for many of the adults with learning disabilities, as well as providing them with clothes, shoes and medical supplies.

Our next trip back to Samuil institution, which is home to 120 adults with learning disabilities will be just before Christmas. We are currently fundraising to give them a Christmas to remember.

If any readers would like to know more or would like to make a donation, we can be contacted through our website www.holdingouthope.co.uk.

Pete Brady,

Holding Out Hope.