$10k set for Vic Falls cheer fund

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
VICTORIA Falls Mayor Councillor Sifiso Mpofu has appealed for donations towards this year’s Mayor’s Cheer Fund whose target is $10 000 meant to help the disadvantaged in the resort town.

A committee tasked with running the fund said so far $3 017 has been raised.

During the launch of the Mayor’s Cheer Fund on Wednesday night, pledges in excess of $2 000 and an assortment of goods were made towards raising the required funds.

The launch was attended by councillors, captains of industry and representatives of different players in the hospitality industry.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mpofu, who was accompanied by his wife Nancy said the fund had touched many desperate lives in the past and will continue to do so.

“Indeed we are deep in hard times and it’s our duty as responsible citizens to extend a generous arm to vulnerable people as they become more vulnerable.

“The fund targets school children especially in Government schools who can’t afford to pay fees. In years gone by this programme has gone a long way in assisting the needy. Despite the economic challenges, we have people like you (business community) who make the effort to support the cause that seeks to support the needy. We can help with the little we can,” said Cllr Mpofu.

Representing the Mayor’s Cheer Fund committee, Mr Blessing Munyenyiwa of Love for Africa tour operating company, said they have compiled a list of students whose fees need to be paid through the fund this year.

“The Mayor’s Cheer Fund seeks to ensure the needy get basic education and health services. So far we are pleased with the assistance in cash and in kind and we managed this year to pay fees for four pupils at Mosi-oa-Tunya High School and a student at Great Zimbabwe University,” said Mr Munyenyiwa, who pledged $1 500 on behalf of the Jameson Victoria Falls Carnival which he co-organises.

Among the companies that have donated towards the fund are Wild Horizons, Kingdom Hotel, Elephant Hills Resort, Marange Motors, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Dube and Company, OK Mart and others.

From last year’s proceeds, the fund paid $1 402 towards school fees for pupils at Mosi-oa-Tunya High School and another one at Great Zimbabwe University.

— @ncubeleon.