Greetings everyone! In these very strange times we live in due to the corona virus pandemic, I want to share my thoughts and perspectives with YOU, our valued customer.

Growing up in Zimbabwe and traveling all over Africa has provided me with a life education like no other. The uncertainty that we are all experiencing today is something that many people in Africa live with on a daily basis. Many people live day to day, meal to meal and are unable to plan for the future. Access to health care is limited at best in most rural African communities and not much better in urban locations either. It goes without saying that critical infrastructure is completely inadequate and not able to support any dramatic increase those requiring support. This is especially true in Zimbabwe, which has proven to be one of the most unpredictable economic environments on the planet. Add to that a severe shortage of fuel, and life is most definitely on the acute side of the uncertainty scale. Adding to the uncertainty, the government has instituted at 21 shutdown of all economic activity and we have had to close our warehouse in compliance with the regulation that has been enacted. One of our long time suppliers just messaged me via whatsapp - "Order is ready and I don't have cash. How can I survive 21 days - I don't know?"

One of the things that I appreciate and respect about the people in Africa that is their resilience and ability to smile, laugh and experience joy in the face of adversity. It's thanks to the incredible human spirit that lives within us all. In spite of everything, they connect to their very own life force within, find ways to survive, even thrive and demonstrate an amazing capacity to care for others.

Through these uncertain times, our commitment is unwavering. Our vision of providing sustainable sources of income to our partners, producers and artisans in Africa is clear and resolute. We will continue, we will find a way and we will look back on this experience as one that provided us with an opportunity to learn, to grow, to love and to remind us of what's really important and what we are really here to do on this planet.

YOU as a customer are integral to what we do here at Mbare. We are here for you and to be of service in any way that we can. Our warehouse remains open for the moment although hours and staff are reduced. We are practicing social distancing and taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe.

The Mbare team sends you all our warmth and well wishes. We appreciate and value you continued support, friendship and community. Your purchases make a difference, now more than ever.

This is an opportunity to dig deep within ourselves and as most people in Africa do - to find the strength within to keep going, keep smiling, keep supporting each other. This too shall pass, and our quest to leave the world better than the way we found it continues.

In gratitude,

Robbie