adminWhinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
EKUPHUMULENI Old People’s home in Bulawayo has fallen on hard times, and well-wishers have been urged to come forward and assist.
Sukoluhle Hove, Ekuphumuleni’s administrator, said this yesterday while receiving a donation of $3,000 and a microwave from the Merchant Bank of Central Africa (MBCA).
Hove said the donation could not have come at a better time.
“The institution is facing a lot of hardships, considering that utmost care is need for old people, especially those with medical conditions.
We’re grateful for the assistance we’re receiving from MBCA,” Hove said.
“In 2014, the bank resuscitated the home’s borehole. I must say right now we’re in arrears with the city council and ZESA and many others which include owing staff their monthly salaries which have accumulated to almost $11,000.”
She said renovations at the home that were underway had been halted due to financial constraints.
“Now that we’ve been boosted, we’ll put part of the money towards that project as well as gardens, which provide a variety of vegetables to the elderly who need it most to boost their health.”
Hove said the home would greatly appreciate any form of assistance from well-wishers.
MBCA managing director, Charity Jinya, said this was the second time they were donating to the home and the first time they had visited there.
“Giving to the elderly and children is at the heart of our corporate social responsibility initiatives at MBCA as these groups of people are one of those very dear to God’s heart. As MBCA, we take care of the financial needs of people from all walks of life,” she said.
“It’s not easy to run a simple household, let alone an old age home in light of the elderly’s special needs. It takes love and patience to care for people who completely rely on us for sustenance.”
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