Online ReporterSukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu,Matabeleland South Bureau
ABOUT 250 vulnerable families from Gwanda Town and care institutions have received grocery hampers under this year’s edition of the Gwanda Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund.
The fund has also provided groceries to the Gwanda Provincial Hospital, Kip Keino Children’s Home, Gwanda Old People’s Home and Chambuta Children’s Home in Chiredzi.
The cheer fund has also provided bursaries for learners.
Beneficiaries who spoke after receiving their groceries on Wednesday at the Gwanda District Club said their festive season has been made special.
“As a mother of a child with a disability, there are a lot of costs that I incur and enjoying during the festive season becomes the least of my worries as there is a lot that I have to do.
“I’m grateful for this gift from the community of Gwanda. This grocery will go a long way and I will be able to enjoy with my family,” said Ms Memory Khumalo who has a child with a disability.
Mr Ntuthuko Nkomo (64) said it was pleasing to see the elderly being honoured and remembered within their community. She said it comes as a huge relief to see that there are still people who believe in assisting the vulnerable.
Ms Lizzy Sithole who stays with her disabled daughter said the grocery items will come in handy. She said she relies on piece jobs to fend for her family and she often struggles to make ends meet.
“We don’t take this kind gesture for granted. Sometimes having to take care of a disabled child comes with a lot of responsibilities and expenses and this intervention will come in handy,” he said.
Gwanda Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund chairperson, Mr Methuseli Moyo, said part of the money that was collected under the cheer fund was used to pay bursaries for six learners from schools around Gwanda Town for the whole of next year.
He said various stakeholders, which include the business community, mining companies and individuals, assisted with contributions.
Mr Moyo said they engaged different stakeholders that include the Department of Social Welfare, councillors, churches and civic organisation in order to select beneficiaries.
The cheer fund targets vulnerable groups such as orphans, widows, the elderly and people with disability.
Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo said the response from stakeholders towards the this year’s cheer fund was overwhelming
“This year, we had a number of business people who responded to the call to donate towards the cheer fund. The grocery items we have received can cater for up to 250 beneficiaries and today, we managed to hand over to 150 beneficiaries. The distribution process will continue.
“We also managed to pay school fees for six children for the whole of next year. We also managed to mobilise groceries for institutions, which include Kip Keino Children’s Home, Gwanda Old People’s Home, Gwanda Provincial
Hospital and Chambuta Children’s Home in Chiredzi,” he said.
Ald Moyo expressed his gratitude towards stakeholders who responded to the call to assist the needy. He said the cheer fund continues to have great impact in the community and organisers target to increase coverage of the fund each year.
Ald Moyo urged residents to take care of the needy in their community and not wait for outsiders.
Gwanda Town Clerk, Ms Priscillah Nkala said the response from stakeholders was impressive this year. She said a number of business people came up to donate towards the cause for the first time and lauded the initiative, which continues to help change people’s lives hence the need for all residents of the town to embrace it. — @DubeMatutu
