Just to mix up things a bit, first a few updates of what has going on lately in my life and then the numbers.
Adios Allotment
Sadly, I lost the allotment. I am still very furious about how I and two of my friends here (Tim and Maggie) have been taken for a ride, so I try to keep this story short and as neutral as possible. Basically the people who hold the paperwork for the allotment (I only had a verbal agreement with them) waited until most of the clearing work (lots of brambles!) was done and then gave it to somebody else, destroying at least 50% of what I had planted already in the process. I am still too furious to write a blog post about this but the good news is that I might have a new allotment soon, I will keep you posted.
May/June Accountability
Once again many days late, but here are the numbers for May (donations) and June (costs) of running my little neighbourhood pantry:
Donations leftover from the previous month: – 128,09 Euros
Donations received in May: 983,57 Euros
Costs of buying supplies (food, basic cleaning supplies plus a bottle of gas to cook the food for one of the families) for the neighbourhood pantry June 2022: 659,73 Euros
Carry over to July: 195,75 Euros
Link to receipts: (This is a ZIP folder, I am on a Mac and take cybersecurity seriously, but please, still scan it before unzipping, it’s just good practice 😉
The biggest donation came in via a pilgrim that did a ‘fundraising pilgrimage’ for three good causes here in Santiago, my pantry being one of them.
Also, I had now quite a few pilgrims and/or friends visiting my little pantry and bringing in kind donations. I am always happy to show any- and everybody my little set-up, chat about my neighbours and perhaps you will even meet them. Just contact me a bit beforehand to make sure I am at home.
Too hot to type more, as we are experience a heatwave here in Spain, currently 34C in my flat, but a little advance warning: I will run another Facebook fundraiser this coming weekend to keep the shelves stocked and to provide a bit of extra cheer aka Tartas de Santiago etc for my neighbours. This is an ongoing need.
As always, if you have any questions/comments, please leave them here on the blog!
I am also awaiting the delivery of another shelf (for clothing, shoes and other small, useful items) to be put up on the ground floor. I solemnly promised my landlord it will be the last one 😉
Big abrazos (hugs) from Santiago and stay safe and cool wherever you are, SY
Thank you for your update Sybille
It is always nice to receive this email and news of the wonderful work you do.
Such a pity to hear about the allotment – was looking forward to up-to-date photos of flourishing veg.
Please take care and I hope you are managing under the extreme heat and weather conditions .
Unfortunately, it seems I will not be travelling again this year due to a small health issue. Hopeful of better news in a couple of weeks.
Blessings to you,
James (not the Saint!)
Hi James, your comment got buried, sorry about that. Good news I have a new plot, updates will be posted soon and thank you for your support! And hugs and prayers for your speedy recovery! SY