NEW: Big cheer for the elderly

Veronica Gwaze

THE elderly at Bumhudzo Old People’s Home recently got free eye screening and treatment for various ailments such as sugar diabetes and high blood pressure.

This was courtesy of Black Shark Protection Services, Vivat Health Solutions and Omnichem.

Vivat Pharmacy also donated a first aid kit to the Salvation Army-run institution.

The home’s project manager, Major Lovemore Meda, paid tribute to the corporates for the gesture.

Bumhudzo Old People’s Home currently cares for 30 people.

“Most of the inmates here have chronic diseases, which means they constantly need medication. However, due to various challenges, it is tough for us to cater for all that.

“We survive largely on handouts from well-wishers, while church and the Government also chip in,” he said.

Black Shark Protection Services organised the event as part of their corporate social responsibility.

“This is the first event, but every fortnight we will be doing the same at other homes,” said the company’s managing director, Mr Trevor Jakachira.

Corporate Social Responsibility Network Zimbabwe chief operating officer Mrs Lydia Matengambiri said there was need to periodically assist the less-privileged.

There are also plans to rope in volunteer doctors.

For Ms Nkazana Sain, Vivat’s marketing and public relations officer, “spending some time” with the inmates, some of whom would have been abandoned, is both helpful and worthwhile.