December 2011 Focus News - Operation Winter Rescue 

As the harsh Eastern European winter grips our field countries despair is etched on the faces of children, their carers, families and the elderly… their pleas can be heard far and wide… “Daddy, Mummy, I am so cold, I can’t get warm enough…”, “But Daddy, Mummy, I know I don’t have a good coat and winter boots, but please can I still go to school?”, “Daddy, Mummy, please can we play outside…?”

Mothers and fathers lament the crippling poverty that has once again put them under incredible stress and only enjoy fitful sleep as they ponder how their family is going to survive the harsh winter. Many children abandon school for months on end as they don’t have adequate boots or warm clothing to walk to school. The luxury of flicking on a switch to enjoy constant, reliable heat is out of reach for most families and elderly. For many of those whose houses are equipped with this reliable heat, they don’t contemplate using it because the price of electricity, gas and heating are now prohibitive.

For Children’s Homes, the dormitories are often harsh, cold rooms and heating is extremely difficult. Buildings are old, windows often let the harsh weather in, bathrooms are drafty, and hot water is not reliable.  Directors are often forced to make difficult decisions between choosing to adequately heat buildings, nutritious food or medicines – the budget never stretches to cover all needs. Despite it being at or below freezing for half the year, many children are unable to venture outside for long periods as they share winter boots and coats with their fellow students.

It may look like a bleak, hopeless picture, but there is hope and help during the long harsh Eastern European winter for the poor we serve. After Operation Christmas Love parcels are delivered and Christmas parties are enjoyed we launch our next vital project, ‘Operation Winter Rescue’.  Operation Winter Rescue will provide warmth to those that need it most. Wood, coal and peat for heating will be delivered alongside warm winter boats, coats and knitted items in their thousands from supporting countries like Australia. As we swelter through our long, hot summer and many of us dread the unrelenting heat, the poor we serve give thanks to God they are not forgotten in their time of need.

Please read the attached appeal to find out more… December Focus News - Operation Winter Rescue

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 Thanks for your support and partnership, we couldn’t do it without you!
Michelle Dorey

National Director

Mission Without Borders Australia