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Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
ON Christmas Eve, well-behaved children got presents from Santa Claus and on Wednesday last week, various corporates converged at Percy Ibbotson Hostels near Emakhandeni suburb to donate groceries to Percy Girls Home and Thembiso Children’s Home.
Through his Evolution Charity Trust, poet and author, Zenzo Siziba spearheaded the donation drive.
The event was graced by representatives from different companies. These included Bulawayo Chiefs Football Club, Kingdom Blue Funeral Services, courier giants Swift and Private Eye Security.
It was all smiles for the children who got groceries, sanitary wear and stationery from the companies. It was a food, drink and entertainment affair as a host of creatives performed for the children. One of the artistes, Absoll Luz underscored the need to do such philanthropic work more often.
“We need to do this more often. The vulnerable groups in our midst are our responsibility. Not only during this time of the year but all-year-round so I’m proud to be part of such an initiative,” said the rapper.
Representatives of the companies said such events give them a platform to fulfil their corporate social responsibility mandate.
They said the needy are more vulnerable now when the nation, like the rest of the world, is grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Private Eye Security’s Moses Masimbiti said the event was a big success.
“We could not miss such a chance and it’s always good to give. Mixing, mingling and helping these children was so satisfying and we hope to host it every year. It’s our responsibility as corporates to do so,” he said.
also shared the same sentiments and invited other companies to join.
“The event was a success, but I believe that more could have been achieved had more hands chipped in. I’d like to extend my invitation to other corporates and individuals to join us as we do our charity work. The more, the merrier,” he said.
The stars of the show also enjoyed the time they had with their donors. One of the children Tanaka Tukawarima thanked the donors.
“I’d personally like to thank the donors for this kind gesture. We learnt valuable lessons. Drug abuse and teenage pregnancies have been our downfall and the donors taught us that education is key and I’m so grateful for this,”she said.
Siziba thanked all who partnered him for the event and said he hopes that this was the beginning of their relationship.
“We couldn’t have done it alone. Our partners are the real heroes and heroines here. We hope this will continue going forward,” he said. – @eMKlass_49.
Online Reporter