Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund surpasses target

Christmas Cheer Fund that was distributed yesterday.
The Mayor’s Cheer Fund for this year was officially launched in November where the Bulawayo City Council set a target of $100 000 worth of donations to be distributed to the less privileged in society.
The occasion was held at the Small City Hall where the Mayor of Bulawayo, Councillor Thaba Moyo, who is also the patron of the fund, officially distributed proceeds to different charitable institutions and vulnerable families in the city.
The 38 institutions included Bulawayo Terminally Ill Community, Edith Duly Nursing Home, Entembeni Old People’s Home, Mlondolozi Prison, Vulindlela Guardian Orphanage Care, King George V1, James 1v27 Orphanage Trust, Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Smiles for Africa, Ralstein Home Salvation Army and Queen Elizabeth Adventist Home.
Speaking before handing over groceries to some of the institutions that were represented, Clr Moyo said it was the first time for the fund to double its target.
“This year is an exceptional year as the fund has doubled its set target of $100 000.
“This is the first time in the history of the Cheer Fund since the introduction of foreign currency in the country,” said Clr Moyo.
He said the generous donations received were a demonstration of the spirit of kindness that was present in Bulawayo.
“This is a clear demonstration of philanthropic spirit and kind heartedness that is synonymous with the people of Bulawayo. The corporate sector and the entire community of Bulawayo have demonstrated their commitment to giving cheer and love at this special festive season,” said Clr Moyo.
Mr Kindman Moyo, the public relations officer for Smiles for Africa said he was happy that his organisation got something from the fund.
“We are grateful for these groceries that we got and we are certain that all these organisations that are represented today will put smiles on the faces of our needy fellow citizens,” said Mr Moyo.
Speaking at the same occasion, the council’s senior public relations officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, said she was short of words to express her gratitude to God and all who contributed to the Cheer Fund.
“I am happy that we have come this far and managed to raise double our target to cheer the underprivileged this festive season,” she said.
The Christmas Cheer Fund is held annually during the festive season and Mrs Mpofu said this year OK Stores was the biggest contributor to the fund.