Chronicle Editor
Natasha Adam, Chronicle Reporter
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has donated more than $9 000 to two patients for treatment of renal failure and skin cancer respectively.
Former NRZ employee Mr David Britten, who is suffering from renal failure and Mrs Khelitha Pholane, who is suffering from skin cancer received the donation at a ceremony held in Mpopoma yesterday.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on behalf of NRZ General Manager Engineer Lewis Mukwada, NRZ’s Public Relations Manager Mr Nyasha Maravanyika said funds, raised from their annual charity marathon, were aimed at providing short-term medical assistance to the two patients.
NRZ in partnership with First Mutual, Hwange Colliery, Askeland Media and Air Zimbabwe donated a total of $9 400 to the two patients, with each patient receiving $4 700.
Mr Maravanyika said the cases were chosen based on the severity of the patients’ conditions.
“In our adjudication of charity cases, the two were considered critical. We also felt the proceeds were not commensurate for big projects but to support the two patients with short-term assistance for drugs and medication,” he said.
Mr Maravanyika said through their corporate hand in health care, their annual NRZ Rail-Trail Charity Half marathon was held for charity, community development and to promote wellness.
“The objective of our marathon is to celebrate the arrival of the first train on November 4, 1897, and to help in giving back to the community. It’s aimed at improving the general welfare of citizens through active participation in health care programmes.
“We also want to invest in corporate social awareness not only for the NRZ but other organisations as well,” he said
Mrs Pholane who was in tears said she was grateful for the donation as it will go a long way in helping her receive medical treatment.
“I am so grateful to NRZ and the sponsors for this donation because with this money I will be able to get a second opinion because in my previous check-up they told me I might have to get my legs amputated,” she said.
Mr Britten was also appreciative of the donation said he will now be able to get medication and the treatment he needs.
“My wife gave me her kidney before she passed away due to complications from the kidney transplant and it was a really tough time for me. So, I’m happy about this donation as I will now be able to get medication to continue treatment for the kidney she gave me,” he said.
The NRZ donated 10 refuse bins to Ingutsheni Central Hospital and transported three wagons of coal from Hwange to Bulawayo for free to the institution last year as part of their corporate social responsibility. – @natashadam1.
Online Reporter