Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze and Nomalisa Gumpo
GIANT retail group TM Pick n Pay yesterday extended a gesture of warmth and compassion to patients at Ingutsheni Central Hospital and St Francis Home in Bulawayo, donating 825 blankets as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.
The donation comprised 750 blankets for Ingutsheni and 75 for St Francis Home, offering much-needed relief to the institutions, which care for vulnerable individuals. Ingutsheni currently houses 610 patients, while St Francis Home accommodates 40, with numbers occasionally rising.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital Chief Medical Officer, Nemache Mawere, expressed heartfelt gratitude to TM Pick n Pay for the generous donation, noting that the facility faces ongoing challenges in maintaining an adequate supply of bedding due to the nature of the patients’ conditions, which often result in damage to blankets.
“Our hope is for patients to have six blankets each, especially during winter. The blankets need to be constantly washed and replaced, and this donation will assist us in many ways. Our wish is that they adopt one of the wards or areas and supply branded items,” said Mawere.
He emphasised that the generosity of donors like TM Pick n Pay is vital for Ingutsheni, which cares for patients with mental health conditions, learning difficulties, and physical disabilities — requiring specialised attention and support. Mawere also called on other organisations to follow suit, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in caring for society’s most vulnerable.
TM Pick n Pay General Manager for the Southern Region, Simbarashe Nyika, said the donation was part of the organisation’s commitment to giving back to the community that supports its business.
“Our winter drive initiative targets the most vulnerable groups within society. We usually focus on larger institutions such as Mpilo Central Hospital, but this year we decided to extend our reach to other facilities as well.
“We want to give back to the people who support us — without them, we wouldn’t be the organisation we are today.
We recognise the immense effort, resources, and skill required to care for these patients, which inspired us to step in and help,” he said.
Nyika shared that the organisation’s goal was to ensure every patient received a fresh blanket, helping to create a more comfortable and dignified living environment.
The TM Pick n Pay Winter Drive Annual Initiative will also benefit other institutions in Bulawayo, including T
hembiso Children’s Home and John Smale Children’s Home, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to community welfare.
