Up to 20 people come and pack clothing, bedding, shoes and candles, amongst other items, once a month on a Tuesday in the Vicarage, when it takes over the downstairs rooms! Hard work, friendship and laughter are shared by all, as well as the joy of packing beautiful clothing and other items. Every thing is packed into apple boxes and these are sent in a 20-foot container from Crawley for free distribution to the poorest people in Southern Malawi.

In 2006 121 apple boxes were sent, of which 24 were ½ boxes of candles.
These boxes cost:
97 apple boxes @ £9 per box = £873
24 half apple boxes @ £4.50 per box = £108.

All the costs of sending these boxes were met by many people’s generosity, through contributions for cups of coffee and biscuits, beautifully crafted cards made by Rosemary Crowley, attractive handmade cards by Shirley Westcott and many other gifts. Other donations to the work of F.I.A are sent directly to Crawley.

A few of us meet one afternoon to check, prepare, measure and fold items ready for the main packing session. Occasionally some items are taken home to be washed and ironed, and several people do hand sewing and yards of machining. An enormous ‘Thank You’ must go to a great many people who help in different ways to make all this possible.

Twice a year we have a bring and share lunch when we enjoy each other’s company and get to know one another better.

We receive regular information about the work of F.I.A. and also about people and situations in Malawi, which helps us in our prayers.