Your support is needed both for Refugees and those remaining in Ukraine. Food & Medical supplies are low in many areas. Click this link to donate Help us to get resources in. Thank you.
Eastbourne Elite Lunch Club fund raising Lunch 24th March
Computers for Charities sends a big Thank You to Eastbourne’s Elite Lunch Club and La Locanda Del Duca restaurant for its fund raising lunch Friday 24th March to aid Computers for Charities ongoing support to Ukraine, with £325 raised.
In 2022 Computers for Charities undertook three trips into Ukraine covering over 15,000 miles & providing wide ranging aid to areas directly affected by this tragic ongoing conflict, with no end in sight.
Simon Rooksby Chairman says. Our services and support are not just about computers. But more importantly, it is people that matter to us, hence our strap line “Passionate about people” emphasising our wider commitment, locally nationally & worldwide.
Sadly the bottom line is it costs to provide such help, but thanks to the support of Eastbourne Elite Lunch Club for the second year, more help will get to where it is needed. Thank you
Simon
Chairman – Simon Rooksby
For more information or to help or need help! Contact Computers for Charities. Tel: 01323 848588 email: admin@computersforcharities.org website. www.computersforcharities.org
Registered Charity: 11078
Jpeg L-R: Simon Rooksby Chairman CfC, Luca Albertoli Owner La Locanda Del Duca, Peter Owen Chairman Eastbourne Elite Lunch Club, ? Staff La Locanda
14th October 2022
Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2022
2022 has proved an eventful year for us all. And certainly for CfC the time has not dragged, as we have consistently sough to address and aid a wide variety of areas of need.
Needless to say, with Eastern Europe providing a stark area of focus. CfC’s response has been direct support into Ukraine, surrounding countries in a variety of ways. Thus far clocking up over 14000 miles / 22530km.
Now with the run up to Christmas, our aim is to include Ukraine within our annual Christmas Shoebox distribution to Eastern Europe, for which your support would be welcome.
To Date we have received a good quantity of boxes for adults, men & women, but there is a need for children’s 8 – 12 & Teenagers if possible. Plus financial support to aid fuel costs would be great help.
The only exception to shoebox contents, is NO soft toys please. With so many regulations these days. Soft toys without a disinfection certificate could cause unwanted problems. Thank you.
Please note: Deadline for boxes, and again please not boot boxes. Just standard shoe size or better still Gift bags. Are needed by Friday 18th November (not as the attached flyer)
Thank you
Simon
Simon Rooksby
Chairman – Computers for Charities
Please get in touch for further information. Tel: 01323 848588 email: simon@computersforcharities.org web: www.computersforcharities.org
20th September 2022
“On the road” Since 1994 Computers for Charities key role has been connecting with People locally, nationally and worldwide. With our current trip to Ukraine, Romania & Bulgaria doing just that & distributing your donated gift boxes, medical aid and whatever the needs maybe. But more importantly the delivery of encouragement & respect to those we encounter on the journey.
To that end I would value your support in aiding our dear friends Levi & Sasha and their efforts to aid Ukrainians repair and restore their damaged homes from this conflict. In this first phase which they aim to commence in November. 10,000 euros is needed for building materials, whilst many have offered time and skills to travel to Ukraine to aid villagers in this process.
Meanwhile, we will return in December as we celebrate 30 years of collecting and distributing Christmas Shoeboxes.
Deadline for those wishing to support 19th November.
Thank you. Simon
Simon Rooksby, Computers for Charities
2nd September 2022
Computers for Charities leaves for Ukraine Monday 5th September. Many thanks & well done to Mike Hole & Chilli Graphics for updating the vans art work.
Deadline for CfC’s Christmas Shoebox appeal 19th November. More information https://www.computersforcharities.org/initiatives/elderly-shoebox-appeal
19th July 2022
Once again I would wish to offer my thanks from CfC and also the Ukrainian people you have kindly supported.
This trip certainly was a step into the unknown, given the current circumstances across Europe one way or another. To that end I left the UK 21st June with our aged Mercedes Sprinter Van, loaded up with medical supplies, rescue boxes & dry food stuffs. Then loaded up Jerry cans in Moldova containing 100 litres of diesel to distribute given fuel shortages.
I will tell you now. This was no picnic. The heat being more extreme than the current climate in the UK. The Van air conditioning failing on the first day of travel on a round trip of 4500 miles. Covering Germany, Austria, Hungary, Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and then back to the UK.
Then there are the border crossings, not just once. But many. Queues stretching for 10 – 15 miles. Which is not just related to the Ukraine conflict, but seems endemic across Europe. Plus of course the high fuel costs for people on a lower minimum wage than here is affecting all areas of life.
Needless to say, it was not plain sailing and entry to some countries initially denied. However most people sought to be courteous and helpful, which further and enabled contact with various refugee groups in many of these countries.
Top temperature however was 56c.I then travelled with Pastor Rufus also translating from Romania into Moldova. Travelling in these countries is slow going, bad roads and so forth reduces road speed normally to 20 – 30 miles per hour. Hence most days 10 – 12 hours driving to cover relatively small distances.
Patience is a virtue, staying calm despite all that is thrown and you essential. And we got through, meeting with local contacts. Whilst ensuring your donations actually got received by those in need in the region of Odessa. So well done.
The Van at this stage was requiring repair work, 3 of the 4 shock absorbers had blown, plus some other jobs needing urgent repair to get us home in order to make the return trip in 6 weeks with more supplies and I hope in December as part of our annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal run. So if you would like to further support. Please get in touch.
Many thanks
Simon
Simon Rooksby
Chairman – Computers for Charities
Facts about Ukraine. Population 44 million. Land size 233.032 square miles. UK 94,058 square miles. Ukraine Conflict began: 24th February 2022, 2014 Conflict began 20th February. Curfew begins 10pm – 5am. And has gone through various conflicts dating back to 13th Century. Including Crimea War 1858 which gave us Florence Nightingale & Mary Seacole. The Ukraine has been under Russian influence from 1917 until the collapse of communism 1991.
4th July 2022
Well done to all for your support. Aid has now been distributed directly to Ukraine and now we face the return trip to UK, before returning in just 8 weeks time. Temperature have soared to 56c our van broken down and now patched up. But people have benefitted and offer our thanks to the people of UK.
Well done. Simon
Photo shows border into Ukraine
17th June
I would wish to offer my thanks for your support to Computers for Charities its Ukraine Appeal.
After COVID It has been so encouraging to see the national response aid Ukraine directly and support its refugees in the UK.
We have experienced a few delays in getting aid to areas of need. However next week, I will be driving out to the Ukraine with medical & food supplies to the region of Odessa in the South East. A journey of around 3000 miles, and as with all such trips has required much patience and preparation.
All being well, I hope to update our Facebook page when possible https://www.facebook.com/ComputersforCharities which may be of interest.
Well done and thank you
Simon
Simon Rooksby
Chairman – Computers for Charities
Plus a big well done and THANK you to Hailsham Knit & Natter group, with more knitted items. For anyone interested in joining this group. They meet Monday 2 – 4pm in Hailsham. Call: 07789928183 for more information or to donate knitting wool. A good social time is guaranteed!
7th June. More thanks for support.
Eastbourne’s Langham Hotel fundraising lunch raised £840. Nigel Kirby (Owner), Simon Brown (General Manager) Peter Owen (Elite Business Men’s Lunch Club)
Also Hailsham Community College & Simon Smarden, Head of Sixth form collected 150 Rescue Bags.
CfC is heading for Odessa, Ukraine. Departure Now 20th June. Please keep the support rolling. Medical supplies & dried food stuffs. Thank you.
25th April 2022
CfC is driving out from the UK Monday 16th May. Taking Aid to the Crimea region of Ukraine.
We are advised.
The needs are Non Perishable foods. i.e. Canned fish, meat, rice, pasta, bulgur, Tea: black & fruit, Fruit juice.
Medical Supplies, Especially items to treat wounds, pressure Bandages, tourniquets, etc.
No clothes, with the exception of uniforms.
Invertors & Generators needed for charging phones & laptops, etc, as no external power is available.
To help. Contact: Simon Rooksby, Computers for Charities. Tel: 01323 848588 email: admin@computersforcharities.org Web: www.computersforcharities.org or to donate. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/UkraineRescueboxes
22nd March 2022
Ukraine Appeal: We are still collecting Survival Boxes for refugees. Still needing the donation of a Long wheel base Crew Carrier Van, 3 KVA generator, Backpacks new or used.
Well done to the students of Bromley High School & teaching staff. 120 Rescue boxes donated. Much appreciated.
Plus to all knitters.. Knitted Wiggly worms would be welcomed. Thank you
Simon
17th March 2022
Many thanks to Ray Dadswell presenter for “Eastbourne on Line” to share on the background and support provided by Computers for Charities.
Once again we are appealing for Backpacks for Ukraine.
Lost property at schools & organisations must be a suitable location. Hence if work at such a place, have children of school age or grandchildren.
Please get them to ask and let us know. Thank you.
Simon Rooksby
https://www.spreaker.com/user/thepodcaststudio/audio-ray-dadswell-and-simon-rooksby-fro
14th March 2022
Many thanks and well done to Green Street Green Baptist Church Orpington https://www.gsgbaptist.org.uk & Vinnie owner of EXN Social.
Bike store & café https://www.endurancexnature.com Green Street Green for collecting more boxes for Ukraine.
If you are a keen cyclist or enjoy a good cup of coffee then EXN is a good place to drop off Survival Boxes for the Ukraine.
Well done everybody and please keep the support rolling.
Simon
12th March 2022
Good News: FAF based Romania, aided 23 children too safety after a gruelling 28 hour journey from Ukraine. Well done!
It takes a women to organise. Thanks to Kathy Jenkins a CfC volunteer. Why not use backpacks instead of boxes?
We are keen to hear from any company able to donate Backpacks, (roughly 40 x 30cm)!
Plus Urgently Needed: 3KVA generator, Electric Water Urn, Survival Boxes / Backpacks, First Aid items & Still needing road worthy LWB Mercedes Crew Carrier Van, Tow bar, etc. (Sorry No guarantee of its safe return) !
Hailsham FM 8th March 2022
Listen again: Simon Rooksby of Computers for Charities visited the studio this morning to talk to Neil Povey about their ‘Survival Box’ appeal – you can donate a box to help refugees leaving Ukraine.
Listen In.
Well done to NHS staff. including the setting up of Sussex NHS Ukraine Appeal WhatsApp group.
Needless to say Survival boxes and financial support are the need at this time. Following the first visit we will be better able to advise.
Many thanks to John Kimble (John Kimble Graphic Design) with the supply of art work.
Information flyers are available on request. If you can circulate this too friends, family, workplaces, organisations and schools, that would be great.
If you wish to support, maybe as a collecting point to reduce my travel that would be great.
Boxes we need and financial support. Donations can be made to our appeals account. Computers for Charities Sort Code: 20 – 27 – 91 Account No: 00739073. (Gift forms are available on request)
Thank you
Simon
Simon Rooksby – Founder / Chairman
Tel: (+44) 01323 848588 email: simon@computersforcharities.org web: www.computersforcharities.org
Registered Charity No: 1107802
Simon Rooksby's Blog Tel: 01323 848588 