In lieu of some horrific news recently – We have decided to dedicate my Tuesday evenings in devotion. Devoting our time holding the space for anyone who is interested in YIN YOGA followed by devotional MEDITATION, by donation at My Health Yoga. $10 minimum (cash) ALL of which will go directly to the cause!
I currently teach a 6-7:15pm vinyasa, so for those of you who are regulars to this class please feel free to stay and immerse yourself into a deep Yin. Otherwise, for those of you who are interested, I’ll be holding this space every Tuesday for the next couple of weeks. (7:20-8:20pm).
If you haven’t been to My Health Yoga as yet it’s beautiful & all mats & props will be at your disposal.
WHO & WHY??THE STORY:
Meet Rukudzo. An 18 year old with a beautiful soul, Rukudzo dreamed of studying further to become an accountant so that she could help to support her struggling family. Always ready with a bright smile and a kind word she had her whole life ahead of her and despite the turmoil of her beloved country, was immensely optimistic for the future.
On Saturday 5 November, Rukudzo passed away at a hospital in Zimbabwe. Her grandmother Ruth, who has worked for my husband’s family since before he was born, had been by her bedside nursing her through gastro-type symptoms until she was asked to leave as visiting hours had ended. She waiting patiently outside under the trees and returned at 4pm as instructed – only to be met with an empty bed and the horrific news that her granddaughter had passed away whilst she was outside.
We can’t get Rukudzo back but want to do something to help others in her memory. Ruth’s time at the hospital highlighted how dire things have become:
· Patients will not be treated without up-front payment in cash – and cash is hard to come by in Zimbabwe with queues for blocks around ATMS
· Patients must provide their own sheets and towels
· There is no running water in some wings of the hospital so without relatives to fetch and carry, sick people cannot even wash themselves
· The hospitals are so short staffed that nurses don’t have time to feed patients who are too sick to feed themselves, the kitchen staff simply remove the food tray with a cheery “not hungry today?”
Times are hard for those in Zimbabwe and our aim is to hire a few good-hearted people (thus putting them in jobs and helping their families too) to be “candy striper”-type helpers in the wards. They will change sheets, feed patients needing assistance, carry water etc. We have worked with NGOs and aim to avoid the red-tape they face in the country. A simple and cost-effective way of making a big difference.
THE COMMITMENT ON OUR END:
· Every cent donated will go towards the hire of staff to assist in the hospitals (no admin costs will be drawn from funds raised)
· We will personally vet and hire the candidates to ensure that they are compassionate and trustworthy
· We will report back on our progress!!
As Ghandi said, “in a gentle way we can shake the world” and we know that putting this initiative into place will help those in need immensely. Please help us to make a difference in Rukudzo’s memory. This is the very beginning of something big. Join us.
Link to Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.
Many thanks: My Health Yoga – for allowing us to use the space.
Deep gratitude: for my sister & mother in laws for creating this amazing foundation for which we can all support.