Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
A wave of admiration continues to sweep across the nation for First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s compassionate work, as her Angel of Hope Foundation draws more hearts into its mission this time, from youthful entrepreneurs who have donated blankets.
The winter chill may bite, but so does the warmth of generosity.
Three young and enterprising Zimbabweans Mr Owen Goto, Mr Ngoni Chimbalu and Sandra Denga have joined the growing list of individuals and organisations locally as well as internationally supporting the First Lady’s philanthropic efforts.
In a bid to complement Dr Mnangagwa’s annual winter relief drive, the trio visited Zimbabwe House yesterday to present a donation of blankets destined for vulnerable communities across the country.
The First Lady, visibly touched by the gesture, expressed heartfelt gratitude and praised the youthful trio for demonstrating the spirit of Ubuntu.
“I am humbled by your kindness. Your thoughtfulness will go a long way in comforting our brothers and sisters during this cold season. This is what building a caring nation looks like.
“It is encouraging that the gift is coming from youths who are driven by the desire to see change in other people’s lives. Your fellow age-mates should be inspired,” she said.
The Mother of the Nation said donations like these make her work easier.
“The fact that you came on your own to support the Angel of Hope Foundation is commendable. For our programmes to continue thriving, we need support like this. We can never do it alone,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said their act of generosity reflects proper upbringing and a strong sense of social responsibility.
“It is pleasing that you took it to heart to think of other people, even those you don’t know. It should always be within us to assist each other.
“A well-raised child is seen through good deeds like the ones you displayed. This shows Ubuntu,” she said.
For years now, Dr Mnangagwa, through her Angel of Hope Foundation, has made it her mission to shield the country’s most vulnerable from the harsh grip of winter.
The First Lady’s tireless journeys across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, often in remote and hard-to-reach areas, have brought not only warmth but renewed hope to thousands in need.
Speaking after handing over the donation, Mr Goto said their contribution was inspired by the First Lady’s “relentless and selfless” drive to uplift the disadvantaged.
“What has pushed us is the work being done by the First Lady in assisting orphans, widows and those in need. If we turn a blind eye to them, society will never be a better place,” he said. “Through the First Lady’s vision and love for the country, which we witness daily, we have decided to assist her noble cause through the donation of blankets, which will be distributed to the needy.”
Mr Goto said they donated not because they had so much, but because they were driven by the passion to see the upliftment of every citizen.
“We are simply doing our part to support a mother who has shown unwavering care for the people. This is our way of saying thank you to our mother for being a pillar of kindness,” he said.
“The challenge with our society these days is that there are people who have riches, but lack the love to give. In light of our donation of blankets, there are some who even warm their dogs, while some people go without.”
Mr Goto also encouraged fellow individuals and organisations to make donations regardless of size or quantity through partnering with the Angel of Hope Foundation, as it will go a long way in changing people’s lives.
Every winter, the First Lady mobilises warm clothing and blankets, distributing them to the elderly, orphans, child-headed families and people with disabilities often accompanied by messages of love, dignity and resilience.
What makes Dr Mnangagwa’s humanitarian work stand out is its non-partisan, inclusive nature reaching across geographical, political and social lines.
The growing support from private citizens, such as this latest donation, underscores just how deeply the First Lady’s work is resonating with Zimbabweans from all walks of life.
In a world that often celebrates self-interest, Dr Mnangagwa’s giving spirit continues to ignite a ripple effect of compassion drawing in others, young and old, to help shape a more caring, united Zimbabwe.
