mbulelo smpofu
Trish Mukwazo, trishmukwazo515@gmail.com
INDUSTRY and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi yesterday brought smiles to 100 elderly people from various suburbs in Bulawayo when he donated food hampers and US$50 grocery vouchers.
The handover was done at his shop, Liquor Hub Wholesalers in Bulawayo’.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Olivia Charamba (67) of Sizinda suburb, expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying it will go a long way in addressing her plight.
“The community often forgets the elderly and this donation made me feel loved and remembered.
“Christmas is a time of thanksgiving and this initiative has greatly ignited a spirit of unity and a sense of being valued in my heart,” she said.
“We were in a state of distress as we had nothing to make us celebrate during this Christmas.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs Thembekile Nyoni from Tshabalala suburb said she had no idea how she was going to provide for her family on Christmas Day.
“This initiative is a warm gesture that has brought the much-needed relief in my life. I feel honoured to be a part of this gesture by the deputy minister, Honourable Raj Modi.
“I will now have a decent Christmas with my family. For people like us, this donation means a lot particularly during the festive season,” she said.
Cde Modi said for the past nine years, he has been involved in assisting vulnerable members of society across the city.
“Every year, we invite the elderly and other vulnerable members of society and give them food hampers to ensure that they enjoy Christmas. We have been doing this for the past nine years,” he said.
Deputy Minister Modi partnered with different resident associations who assisted him in identifying the beneficiaries.
“This exercise took us about two weeks. I am aware that during Christmas time, we have some people in our communities who struggle to afford decent meals. The US$50 grocery voucher will help them feed their families,” he said
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
