Martin Mawaya
RIVER Valley Group has brought relief to vulnerable girls and women in Gweru after donating cash and sanitary wear worth US$4 000 to the Mayor’s Cheer Fund.
The contribution, made through its charity arm S&M Hand of Compassion, comprised US$2 000 in sanitary wear and a further US$2 000 in cash at the Mayoress’ Charity High Tea held at Bata Club on Saturday.
Group chief executive officer Ambassador Smelly Dube, who was guest of honour, announced the contribution at the fundraiser held under the theme: “Shine, glow, serve – save a life”.
The Mayor’s Cheer Fund assists vulnerable communities in and around Gweru, with the latest contribution targeting women and girls facing menstrual hygiene challenges.
Dube said her organisation had also supported nearly 200 women through initiatives promoting women’s health, including breast cancer awareness.
“We have taken almost 200 women under our care to make sure that they are safe, particularly in terms of breast cancer and other diseases,” she said.
Dube said charitable work was not determined by the size of an organisation’s resources, but by its willingness to assist those in need.
“I know I cannot say that we have a lot of money, but we give what we have,” she said.
Dube said she accepted the invitation to the fundraiser because of her longstanding commitment to charity.
“When I received the invitation to this event, I said, ‘No, I must not let this opportunity pass,’ because this is my passion. Charity is close to my heart,” she said.
Mayoress Memory Chivhoko said the High Tea was aimed at mobilizing practical assistance for vulnerable residents rather than serving merely as a social gathering.
She said sanitary wear, groceries and clothing donated by guests would provide immediate support to girls and families facing hardship.
“The items you have brought today, the packs of sanitary wear, the groceries from your pantries, and the clothes from your children’s wardrobes, are the fuel for this glow,” Chivhoko said.
She urged residents and businesses to sustain the culture of giving beyond the fundraising event.
The event brought together women in business in support of the Mayor’s Cheer Fund.
