The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund has distributed groceries to ten institutions in Bulawayo, in what city officials described as vital support for vulnerable groups facing mounting economic pressures.
Mayor David Coltart, who is patron of the fund, said the aid was made possible through contributions from individuals and organisations to last year’s fundraising campaign. He urged wealthier residents to play a more active role in supporting communities in need.
“This handover today goes beyond simply handing over to you, I hope that we grow it,” Coltart said. “There is great need in our city, and I encourage those who are better off to give generously. Our councillors also have a duty to inform the fund of the specific needs in their wards.”
The ten beneficiaries include Entembeni Old People’s Home, Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Adventist Children’s Home, Emthunzini Wethemba Children’s Home, Jairos Jiri, St Francis Home, Percy Ibbotson Hostel, Luveve Training School for Girls, King George VI, and Vulindlela Children’s Home.
Representatives from some of the institutions detailed the challenges they face. A spokesperson for St Francis Home, which cares for children with disabilities, said their work demands specialised resources and round-the-clock care.
“The children we look after are totally dependent on caregivers for bathing, feeding and toilet training,” the representative said. “You need a lot of detergents to keep the place clean. Nutrition is also a challenge because most of the children cannot chew, so their meals must be prepared with a lot of soup. Feeding one child can take 10 to 15 minutes.”
She added that the donation would make “a big difference” in the home’s ability to provide care.
Coltart praised the dedication of the institutions’ staff, describing them as “the city’s heroes and heroines” for their role in looking after vulnerable residents.
The mayor also confirmed that the distribution marked the launch of efforts to mobilise resources for the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund.
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