Chronicle Editor
Flora Fadzai Sibanda – [email protected]
Residents of Lobengula West suburb in Bulawayo are fundraising to assist a child suffering from cancer and have so far raised US$480 and 1 150 rand.
Touched by the plight of Ashely Sibanda (13), the community organised a fundraising event at Mountain View shops on Sunday to raise part of the US$40 000 needed for a surgical procedure in India.
The young girl was diagnosed with the tumor in her mouth late last year and has since stopped going to school because the tumor is now very big.
Ashely is supposed to be in Form One this year at Inyanda High School in Gwabalanda but has since stopped going to school because of the tumor.
The fundraising programme, which was dubbed ‘bring back Ashely’s smile’, saw scores of people going to Lobengula West shops where music was played during the fundraising event.
The residents prepared meals such as umxhanxa, isitshwala and beef which were being sold while some organised games like jumping castle for children who were paying to participate.
The money raised from selling meals and children paying for various activities went towards assisting Ashely.
A number of local artists also performed at the function.
One of the event organisers, Mr Mzingaye Ncube said they were happy with the outcome of the first fundraising event and expressed gratitude to all who sponsored the event.
“The family has asked us to organise another fundraising event soon as a lot of money is needed,” said Mr Ncube.
Ashely’s mother, Ms Samantha Ndebele, said they have so far raised 4 824 pounds and US$ 440. She said she hoped the fundraising drive will be able to raise more money so that they are able to travel to India.
Ms Ndebele said community members have been very helpful as they were the ones that provided the food that was being sold during the fundraising event.
“The money we have raised so far is not much given that we need at least US$40 000 for us to travel to India,” she said.
Ms Ndebele appealed to companies, organisations and individuals to assist the family so that Ashely can travel to India as soon as possilbe as the situation is getting worse by each passing day.
A resident, Mr Tendai Nyathi, said he participated in the fundraising because he is also a parent who has been touched by Ashely’s plight.
He urged the business community to also assist in helping the child as part of their corporate responsibility. Another resident Ms Ursula Makuyana said she was hopeful the community initiative will attract big companies and organisations.
Ashely’s mother can be contacted on +263 772 775 185 and her account details are: CBZ, Branch Jason Moyo, 8th Avenue Bulawayo. Account number: 01226745770012
Account name: Samantha Ndebele.
-@flora_sibanda
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