When Tendayi Mashingaidze took over the chairmanship of the Harare Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund a year and half ago, it was always going to be a job for the daring given the difficult economic environment.
The first campaign culminated in a dinner at The Venue in Avondale. Today, Friday 25 November 2016, he hosts the second one at the Mayor’s Mansion.
The theme for this year is… Be Better, Do Better – Start Giving Today.
But what did he learn from the first one?
I learnt that firstly the corporate Zimbabwe is caring and is genuinely concerned about the welfare of the needy. It is imperative to build sustainability with the younger corporate leaders so that we continue the spirit of giving.
But with such a difficult environment where budgets are being cut, workers being made redundant and the sort, is this a bridge too far? Mashingaidze doesn’t seem to think so:
Our partners have found it in their goodwill to keep supporting and giving because the leaders of tomorrow could come from the underprivileged.
The target us USD150,000 this year and a huge focus is on giving the homes foodstuffs and paying for school fees. Adds Mashonganyika:
Food because this is life and education because it empowers one. We support 22 kids with their school fees and we have been able to pay their school fees even in this tough environment
It’s ambitious and some would even dare to call it foolhardy but if your heart is set, giving of yourself freely is something that keeps you going.
There are many partners who will be present at the dinner and our events such as the High Tea. Our partnership with most has been ongoing for years and their mention is beyond this interview.
In short, as long as you have flesh and the spirit is willing, it shall be.
We’re at the mansion from 7pm today so check our Twitter (@ThreeMenOnaBoat) and http://fb.com/ThreeMenOnaBoat for updates. Tickets are available.
St Emmo’s The Movement will shut down the party. There will also be a performance by Tariro NeGitare.
Comments
Loading…