Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Zimpapers Writer
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has spread festive cheer to 17 charitable institutions across the city after distributing proceeds raised under the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund during a colourful ceremony held at City Hall last Thursday.
Speaking on behalf of Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, Deputy Mayor Clr Edwin Ndlovu expressed gratitude to corporates, organisations and individuals who contributed to the fund, saying their generosity would help brighten Christmas for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for the generous contributions that have enabled us to support the vulnerable members of our community. This will allow them to enjoy a joyful and dignified Christmas,” said Clr Ndlovu.
He said the proceeds would be handed over to the beneficiary institutions on Monday.
Clr Ndlovu commended the spirit of ubuntu demonstrated by donors, saying supporting the less privileged was a defining value of Bulawayo’s communities.
“Lending a helping hand to the less fortunate will always be a blessing. It is this spirit of caring and solidarity that keeps our society strong,” he said.
The latest distribution builds on earlier support provided this year, which saw foodstuffs, fuel and other essential items donated to 10 institutions as part of the same initiative.
Some of the beneficiaries of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund include Empumalanga Old People’s Home, John Smale Children’s Home, Luveve Training School for Girls, Stacey Peterson Hostel, Luveve Remand Home, Tsholotsho Street Children’s Home, Ekuphumuleni Old People’s Home and Thorngrove Infectious Diseases Hospital
Others are: St Francis Home, Bulawayo Prison, Thuthuka Children’s Home, Entembeni Old People’s Home, Renkini Old People’s Home, Matshobana Children’s Home, Ingutsheni Hospital, The Retreat, Vulindlela Children’s Home and Queen Elizabeth Children’s Home.
“These institutions were carefully selected for the vital role they play in our community. Their staff work tirelessly to care for children, the elderly and other disadvantaged members of society, often without recognition,” said Clr Ndlovu.
The Deputy Mayor explained that to qualify for support under the fund, institutions must be registered charitable organisations.
Clr Ndlovu also appealed to other well-wishers to continue supporting the initiative beyond the festive season.
“We are not closing the receipt of donations. We intend to continue distributing contributions throughout the year. If you still wish to help, please come forward and assist those in need,” he said.
Addressing representatives of the beneficiary institutions, Clr Ndlovu acknowledged the often-unseen sacrifices they make.
“Many of your stories remain untold, but I hope one day we will hear them, the journeys, struggles and victories. You are here not for yourselves, but on behalf of others who could not come. Caring for the vulnerable is one of the greatest responsibilities of all,” he said.
The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund is an annual initiative by the City of Bulawayo aimed at mobilising resources from the corporate sector, civic organisations and residents to support vulnerable groups during the festive season.
Over the years, the fund has become a key pillar of the city’s social support programmes, complementing the Government and council welfare interventions targeting orphans, the elderly, people with disabilities and those in institutional care.
Bongani Ndlovu