By Jason Bowles | Fundraising Manager
Global Giving update – Zimbabwe – August 2009
Worthless cash
Anna has a pile of cash, but she cannot spend it. She scrimped and saved for years but she cannot buy anything. Her cash is worthless.
Thousands of other older people in Zimbabwe are in a similar position. The government suspended the use of the Zimbabwean dollar in an attempt to halt rocketing inflation. Though there are now things to buy in the shops, Anna and others who relied on Zimbabwean savings cannot buy them.
Anna once had cattle but she sold them after the deaths of her eight children. She thought her cash savings would secure her future. “I planned to use the money to look after myself because I knew that I would have no other source of income. Now it is worthless – nothing but a bag full of paper."
When Anna ran out of food and became ill, Help the Aged helped her move to a care home in Harare. The home helps older people get back on their feet and earn an income by running a piggery and other farming projects. The home also ensures residents get essential medical care.
"Since I came here I started to feel much better,” says Anna. “I am happy. I have food, a roof over my head and new friends."
Please donate whatever you can for us to continue to help older people in Zimbabwe. Many of them had made plans to fund their futures but their savings are now worthless due to government measures. Your donations will save these hardworking people from misery.
Some names and details have been changed to protect identities.
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