Next event on - 7 July 2012

eXtreme 5 Challenge supports Homes in Zimbabwe. All participants are free to support charities of their own choosing.

Watch the charity in action through the video which is narrated by Janet Suzman and produced by Jill Dawson (formerly of the BBC).

The charity raises funds in the UK and uses the money to feed pensioners. On a monthly basis they buy and import non-perishable food from South Africa by the truck load - fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs are bought from local producers. All of the food acquired is distributed to the pensioners through a local volunteer network helping to keep costs down and ensure that the maximum benefit is obtained from all funds raised.

You may be asking why this is necessary. Prior to the adoption of the US Dollar, Zimbabwe had the highest inflation rate in the world measured in millions of percent. For the local people this meant that prices were increasing several times a day, but wages could not keep up. For those on pensions the situation was even worse and the value of their pensions diminished to zero. When the currency changed to US Dollars the pensioners had nothing to convert, effectively rendering them penniless.

The availability of goods in Zimbabwe has increased following dollarisation, however, prices have sky rocketed. So pensioners now can't afford to buy food because they have no means, but even the basics are beyond their budget.

HiZ helps keep these people alive.

HiZ is run by a Board of Trustees led by Nigel Kay. Nigel and his wife Maggie spent a number of years living and working in Zimbabwe and during this time became aware of the pensioners' plight. Resolving to "do their bit" they established Homes in Zimbabwe, never imagining the need would become as great as it has. Nigel was awarded an MBE in the 2009 Queen's Honours list in recognition of his efforts.

Donations of any kind will improve the quality of life for these pensioners.