Dear Friends and Compassionate Supporters,

I am reaching out to you today in a personal capacity with an urgent plea to support St. Tabeth Children's Home, a sanctuary for 7 orphaned children aged 7 to 14, located in the remote Chidoma area of the Gokwe district in Zimbabwe. Upon transfer of the funds raised in my name, I aim to contract tradesmen to complete the rebuild and pay them directly.

Quite rightly, due to restrictions on many fundraising platforms, foreign-based organisations like St Tabeth can not easily meet requirements that allow direct appeal and collection of funds. So it is for well-wishers such as myself to do so in a personal capacity.

In summary the challenge is that whilst recent rains have been welcomed, they have lately been quite heavy. This prolonged period of rain has caused a partial collapse of the home's kitchen due to water seeping in to a chimney stack; leaving a massive hole and rendering the kitchen unfit for purpose. This vital space, where meals are prepared for the children, is now exposed to the elements, posing a threat to their health and also seriously risking the storage of food.

St. Tabeth Foundation is officially registered in Zimbabwe as a children's care institution and charity under Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) number 13/2015 and being the legally recognised owner of St. Tabeth Children's Home. The home relies solely on the generosity of private donors, primarily friends and family of its founder, Gellie Ruzane, a retired care worker in Pennsylvania, USA. While the government in Zimbabwe provides some basic food staples, these are often sporadic and limited, making your support even more crucial. The home receives no grants or any scheduled assistance from NGOs. Mrs. Moddie Moyo is the main contact at the home

Beyond the urgent kitchen repairs, other essential areas of the home require immediate attention though not caused by the recent rains. The full scope of works for my appeal is as follows:

• Collapsed Kitchen: The immediate and critical repair to make the kitchen watertight and safe.

• Fowl Run: The chicken coop needs rebuilding to ensure a sustainable source of protein for the children.

• Water Well: The well requires safety improvements to provide clean and safe drinking water.

• Outdoor Concrete Laundry Tubs: These essential laundry facilities need repairs to maintain hygiene.

I have received a quote for the necessary repairs and reconstruction:

• Building Materials: US $780 (Cement, Roofing Sheets, Timber, Bricks, Tiling)

• Labour Costs: US $325 (For the entire reconstruction and repair)

• US $200 for transportation, transaction fees and other ancillaries

• Total: US $1305

I will use every dollar you donate to go directly towards rebuilding and improving the living conditions of these vulnerable children by engaging with the chosen tradesman. I will be using WorldRemit to transfer funds to the individual sub-contractors. Your generosity will ensure they have a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment to call home.

These children have already faced immense hardship, and we cannot let them endure further discomfort or substandard living conditions.

Please, open your hearts and help me rebuild St. Tabeth Children's Home.

How you can help:

• Donate: Any amount, big or small, will make a significant difference.

• Share: Please share this appeal with your friends, family, and social networks.

• Spread Awareness: Help raise awareness about the needs of St. Tabeth Children's Home.

Let's come together and provide these children with the hope and security they deserve.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion.