Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, Sunday News Reporter
A TOTAL of 10 institutions in Bulawayo that care for vulnerable members of society on Friday received foodstuffs worth more than US$7 000 from the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund.
The beneficiaries include Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Jairos Jiri Centre, Vulindlela Children’s Home, Luveve Training School for Girls, Percy Ibbotson Hostel, Luveve Remand Home, Emthunzini Wethemba Children’s Home, Entembeni Old People’s Home, Queen Elizabeth Adventist Children’s Home and St Francis Children’s Home.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart applauded the institutions for their commitment to the welfare of children, the elderly and vulnerable communities.
“Their tireless efforts often go unnoticed, yet they remain the unsung heroes who bring comfort, healing and joy to those in need. By standing with them through the Bulawayo Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund, we are affirming their mission and encouraging others to follow suit,” he said.
Clr Coltart said preparations for this year’s fundraising drive have already started, with a goal of widening coverage to support more organisations and individuals in need, particularly those without medical aid.
Matron Chimbindi Vongai from St Francis Home welcomed the donation, saying many of the orphans in their care are living with disabilities and require specialised support.
“Some of the children have special needs that require them to be taken care of. Their parents and family members bring them to our institution, where we take care of them as they require a lot of attention, which is something difficult to get from their homes,” she said.
“They usually need proper meals for a balanced diet, bathing soap and detergents to keep their rooms clean. Some of them need to be fed.”
Ms Ntombizakhe Ndlovu from Queen Elizabeth Adventist Children’s Home said they already have 34 children under their care who require food.
“The children that we are taking care of come from different backgrounds. Some are from the streets with the youngest being just seven months,” she said.
“We provide shelter, food and education, hence the council is assisting us to care for these children.”
Ms Ntokozo Ndlovu, a supervisor at Luveve Training School for Girls, said the institution continues to face operational challenges such as food shortages and inconsistent water supply. She urged the business community and individuals to partner with council in supporting the initiative.
Chairperson of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund, Dr Nothando Moyo, commended the contributions made by various stakeholders, saying collective effort was key to sustaining the programme. She said fundraising for the next cycle was already underway.
The Bulawayo Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund is an annual initiative aimed at mobilising resources to support the city’s underprivileged, especially children, the elderly and the disabled. Over the years, the fund has become a key pillar of social support in the city, helping cushion vulnerable groups against the impact of economic challenges, high food prices and strained household incomes.
