Sinokubonga Nkala
Peter Matika, peter.matika@chronicle.co.zw
FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her Angel of Hope Foundation (AoHF), donated a consignment of Christmas goods to three care homes in Bulawayo yesterday.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube handed over the donation at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex.
The three homes that received the gesture are Jairos Jiri Old People’s Home, SOS Children’s Home, and Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing Home. The goodies included maize meal, cooking oil, maize, rice, sugar, salt, and soya chunks, among others.
Minister Ncube expressed her gratitude for the donation, which will go a long way in ensuring that those living at the homes are well-nourished during the festive season.
“As Bulawayo, we greatly appreciate the First Lady’s role in supporting and uplifting our vulnerable members of society,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa, through her foundation, continues to support various charities as her vision is to afford Zimbabweans equal opportunities. Donating to care homes is crucial for supporting the well-being and quality of life of the residents, and for that reason, the First Lady, who has a passion for the welfare of children, women, and the elderly, empowers children’s and elderly homes through AoHF. This ensures they have equal opportunities regardless of their social status.
Dr Mnangagwa’s AoHF continues to play a pivotal role in lending a helping hand to the underprivileged across the country. Officials from homes and orphanages that received the food hampers could not hide their happiness and expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her kindness.
Representing Jairos Jiri Old People’s Home, Mr Stephen Makwanya said the donation will assist in giving the elderly a warm Christmas.
“Jairos Jiri has also embarked on a transformative expedition in which it seeks to achieve self-sustainability, while also attracting students and partners from across the region. The centre over the past three years has managed to launch several projects such as the establishment of a greenhouse and agro-processing plant to boost productivity at the institution. The First Lady’s donation will ensure that we have a merry Christmas,” he said.
Jairos Jiri is located in Bulawayo’s Nguboyenja suburb and is home to 95 residents. The centre hopes to generate income from the projects while subsidising other operational costs at the institution.
A representative from Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing Home who collected the groceries said the early Christmas gift from Dr Mnangagwa will bring smiles to the elderly.
“We are very grateful and want to take this opportunity to thank the First Lady for donating Christmas goodies to us for the benefit of the elderly under our care,” said the representative.
Another representative from SOS Children’s Home commended Dr Mnangagwa for being a considerate and kind-hearted mother who cares for everyone. Angel of Hope Foundation relies on donations to meet the needs of vulnerable groups countrywide.
The foundation responds to communities by addressing economic and social vulnerabilities to enable them to cope with the demands of life. The donations the foundation receives from partners and well-wishers go a long way in helping the needy as the demand for the presence of Angel of Hope is increasing countrywide.
mbulelo smpofu
