daniel chigunwe
Business Writer
Diversified hospitality group, Meikles Limited, in conjunction with some partners, is developing a US$1,57 million Rainbow Children’s Village (RCV) as part of the group’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
RCV is a partnership between Meikles Foundation, Roundtable JV Zimbabwe and more recently KidzCan Zimbabwe.
During the financial year 2022, the group through Meikles Foundation together with its partners, embarked on the construction of the first phase of the project to the tune of US$441 300 of which US$300 000 was donated by Meikles Limited, while Roundtable VJ Zimbabwe donated the land.
According to the group, the total budget for the project is US$1,57 million.
“Initiated in 2017, RCV was created to answer a dire need for treatment of children with cancer. The main purpose of RCV is to provide a clean and safe home environment for children suffering from cancer before and after their prescribed cancer treatment.
“With donations from Roundtable JV Zimbabwe (donated the land); Meikles Limited; KidzCan; TM Supermarkets (funds raised through golf tournaments); Meikles Guard Services and together with several other donors, Phase one of the project is almost complete,” said Meikles in their annual report.
The group carries out various other projects to support communities with activities done mainly through the supermarket segment – TM Supermarkets and Meikles Foundation.
The activities include assisting the vulnerable in communities through the food, blanket drive, Christmas wish and Christmas box for charity as well as assisting schools in struggling communities with stationery through the stationery drive.
Additionally, the group also works closely with community leaders and influencers to identify and find solutions to the problems and challenges facing communities, sponsorship of some students to create an employable pool and supporting initiatives to protect wildlife.
“We recognise that the success of Meikles Limited is dependent on the wellbeing of the communities. Therefore, we contribute towards transforming people’s lives in ways that promote business continuity and sustainable development,” said Meikles.
Bongani Ndlovu