What’s going on in and around Hailsham, East Sussex. Come along and meet some of the organisations offering support to aid our community.
Interested in Volunteering or supporting financially. Organisations attending include the Link Coffee shop & Computers for Charities.
We look forward to meeting you. Location: Hailsham Parish Church Saturday 28th January 10am – 1pm.
A last hour rescue bid is underway as Sussex Charity Computers for Charities launches a public appeal to safeguard the future for numerous adults with learning, living in the Hailsham area.
CfC is seeking support to raise £475,000 to enable the Link Coffee Shop, North Street, Hailsham to be put into a trust and secure its future
Owners of the premises & managers Ron & Kay Timms an amazing couple who have spent the last year seeking a solution for their retirement 31st December 2022. To date without success!
The Link Coffee Shop has operated for almost 30 years providing an invaluable sanctuary for the people of Hailsham and the many adults suffering disability who have benefitted from sheltered placements within the coffee shop.
Chairman Simon Rooksby says. It would be disastrous for the people and town if this place was to close. Hence we are picking up the gauntlet at this time to ensure its future.
Sadly for decade’s government cut backs have decimated accessible support to the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our communities across the UK. It needs to stop!
Our hope is, with this property secured, development can then be offered to aid more people. Secondly to provide an encouragement for other communities what can be achieved with mutual support?
Time is running out, support is urgently needed today to protect all concerned. To that end donations can be made via Just Giving
Please help us by spreading the word and get people to dig deep into their pockets and save this project to secure a future for these people.
Once again thank you for your support of Computers for Charities Christmas shoebox appeal. Thus far my travels have covered 1700 miles to Romania & Bulgaria. Grateful thanks to Pastor Levi and aiding with taking some of the items to Chernivsti in the Ukraine for distribution.
And now here in Shumen, Bulgaria with Pastor Rodney Johnson and “Life through Christ Church” to benefit the disabled children attending Novi Pazzar school and many in dire poverty across this region. Thank you for providing hope & encouragement to these people through this simple gift. Thanks to the dear ladies in Bulgaria with aiding the unloading process…
Happy 2023 to you all from Computers for Charities. Thank you for your support of our Christmas Shoebox appeal. With Shoeboxes distributed to the Homeless, Foodbanks and tomorrow I leave for Eastern Europe with the next load. 2022 was a bumper year with amazing support from people like you. And a great encourager to those at the other end.
Support in all forms is valued and needed for all our communities.
Here in Sussex help us with our goal to Safeguard the future for the Link Coffee Shop in Hailsham and also seeking more Organisations and church groups to sign up for our Community Computer Tune up days.
CfC may well be coming to a town near you, offering a free check over and tune up of your laptop or desktop.
It will be great to hear from you. Simon, Computers for Charities
Help Needed!
Help needed at our Eastbourne workshop to Organise, Sort & Pack. Christmas Shoeboxes / Gift Bags, In date medication, Knitted Goods, Food Stuffs.
If anyone is able to help out. Please give me a call: 07941122020 or email: simon@computersforcharities.org. Time scale is over the next two weeks.
Many thanks
Simon
Simon Rooksby
Computers for Charities
“Let us Remember Them” – Rudyard Kipling 1897
Computers for Charities Christmas Shoebox Appeal. 30 years on. Brayford Villagers in North Devon have supported our appeal for more years than can I can recall. Always on Remembrance Sunday.
The Christmas Shoebox concept born from the 1991 war in Croatia war, NOT taking life but offering Hope.
Brayford with a population of 200 people rise gallantly to the challenge year on year out. Remembering those lost in the past, whilst aiding others with the future. 107 boxes collected in this remote area.
Plus such generous financial support to make it happen. Well done people of Brayford
CfC Christmas Shoebox Appeal. Well done and thank to Pat & all at The Good Shepherd Church, Wolverhampton. Tina & the crew at Hailsham Knit & Natter, Kevin & all Soul Survivor.
It’s absolutely great and will provide so much encouragement to those at the bottom end.
Closing date for boxes / gift bags 18th November 2022
Need information. Please give me a call at Computers for Charities. Tel: 01323 848588 or email: admin@computersforcharities.org
Thank you. Simon
Computers for Charities Christmas Shoebox appeal got underway this weekend. Thanks to the continuing generosity of the good folk of Lowhill in Wolverhampton.
Many years back, they turned the tide from Shoeboxes to gift bags.. And this year yet again, The Good Shepherd Church, Lowhill have come up trumps.
The photo dates back to 2007. Sadly many faces have passed on. Including my dear Pa who passed away this year.
Well done Lowhill people and thank your such longstanding support & Love.
From March 2023,Computers for Charities launches a new community initiative countrywide
Our CfC Van will be travelling across the UK, providing Free Computer Tune & Check Up’s in tandem with local Organisations seeking to link with communities.
Simple enough, people can bring their Laptops or Desktops to the various venues for a free health check.
Responses from Organisations wanting to engage with this event have been overwhelming.
For Organisations wanting to host a Tune Up day. An accessible location is required, electricity, broadband access plus facilities for hospitality.
For more information or to register your organisation.
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.
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)
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Hats off to Mimecast in London for sending us 150 Rescue Boxes for us to distribute to aid the homeless in the UK.
Beachy Head Eastbourne once represented the world’s 3rd most popular location for suicide.
Since the introduction of the Beachy Head Chaplaincy team. Numbers of suicide deaths have dramatically dropped, with numerous lives saved. But more importantly people and families provided with the help required. Well done and thank you.
Many folk arrive at Beachy Head from all over and often with nothing. These Rescue Boxes provide further tools for the Chaplaincy team to use, as they walk the cliffs 365 days per year and in all weathers.
For any other organisations involved with support of the homeless. And would like a quantity of Rescue boxes. Which contain an emergency pack of toiletries, etc.
Highest suicide levels are recorded as Greenland, followed by Europe. Lowest Eastern Mediterranean!
From March 2023 Computers for Charities is offering its services to Churches & Organisations across the UK to connect with local communities with through a “Computer Tune Up day”
People can bring in their Laptops & Desktops for a “Free Tune Up” and check over.
If you would like us to come to your Village, Town, City. We will be covering the UK & Northern Ireland.
Needless to say, electricity & Internet access are required!
Charities are part of a strong British Heritage dating back to 597AD.
Now more than ever Charities & Voluntary Organisation are desperate for Volunteers. Yes Volunteers, people of all ages & abilities wanting to give something back or possibly wanting to develop new skills.
Computers for Charities based in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Is just one of those? COVID being just one factor to reduce many organisations ability to fully function.
Here at our workshop, I certainly would welcome more assistance our workshops to aid the many organisations we assist locally, nationally and internationally not just with computers but a whole range of support.
As with our forthcoming Christmas Shoebox appeal. Or admin assistant to share the load in the office.
Training is available where required. Commitment is open ended with flexibility always in mind. Regardless of your age or ability.
Please consider giving CfC a hand, give me a call Simon Tel 01323 848588 Monday to Friday or email. simon@computersforcharities.org and help us make a difference.
Simon Rooksby's Blog Tel: 01323 848588 