adminPamela Shumba Senior Reporter
BULAWAYO businessman and philanthropist Raj Modi on Friday donated $5,000 worth of groceries to St Francis Home in Famona. St Francis is a government-run institution that caters for mentally and physically challenged children. The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo handed over the goods that include mealie-meal, sugar, cooking oil, toilet paper, peanut butter and detergents.
Cde Moyo commended Modi for the support.
“Modi has done so much good work for the Bulawayo community and I respect and thank him for that. He has made a big difference in people’s lives. I cherish him for always giving wholeheartedly and never grumbling,” said Cde Moyo.
“The Indian community has been a part of us before, during and after the liberation struggle. They were part of the struggle and participated highly in the attainment of independence and in the development of Bulawayo.
“Most of the support that the late Vice President Cde Joshua Nkomo received during and after the war was from the Indian community,” said Cde Moyo.
She urged the corporate world to assist institutions like St Francis.
Mike Masaka, the home’s acting operations director thanked Modi. He said their patients don’t pay for services and the home relies on government funds that are limited due to the economic situation. Masaka appealed to the corporate world to assist them.
The institution’s matron, Vongai Chimbindi, said they cater for children with mental and physical disabilities aged between five and 16 years. She said most of the children are referred to the institution by hospitals while some are abandoned by their parents. They have special needs; most are bed-ridden and need diapers, gloves, medication and supplementary food.
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