Harare Zimbabwe, 7 June 2014: Members of the WHO East and Southern Africa Staff Association (ESASA) in Harare donated to the needy as a way of giving back to the community. Donations of clothes, blankets, shoes, and winter wear were made to Bumhudzo Old People’s Home in Chitungwiza and Chinyaradzo Children’s Home in Highfield.

The President of the Staff Association, Mr Simbarashe Mazvidza made a call for donations to the needy in our society earlier this year.  “Since we are approaching the cold season we would like  to dedicate the month of May 2014 to donations; this winter we need to celebrate our Wellness with a difference by giving to those in our community who are in need of something which we no longer use but necessary ,” said Mr Mazvidza. Following a generous response from staff throughout the month of May, the collected items were then donated to the 2 identified homes.

Speaking on receiving the items, the Matron of Bumhudzo Old People’s Home, Major Bwerinofa acknowledged the support from the WHO staff association, and said because of the tough economic times they rely on well wishers to provide for the elderly in their care. Bumhudzo is a hospital home for the elderly in St Mary’s Chitungwiza, which is run by the Salvation Army. The elderly inmates showed their appreciation to ESASA through song and dance.

After Bumhudzo, the team went to Chinyaradzo Children’s Home to donate clothes, shoes and bedding for the children. The home’s Secretary, Mrs Madzikanda said the home appreciates such donations because they rely a lot on donations from well wishers. She thanked WHO and ESASA on behalf of the children who were in school, and encouraged them to continue doing good. Chinyaradzo Children’s Home was established by the Child Protection Society to provide fulltime residential care for children in need of care between 0—18 years. The children stay under the family based model which replicates a nuclear family setting where they have a parental figure(s) and a number of siblings of varied ages and sex.

ESASA President appreciated staff for their generosity and encouraged them to continue giving back to their communities.

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01. Chinyaradzo children having lunch

02. Handing over blankets to Chinyaradzo

03. Mr James handing over some clothes

04. Some inmates singing in appreciation