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Lumbidzani Dima, Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni is appealing to members of the public to continue donating to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund as over 11 000 applications have been received from institutions and individuals in need of help but available resources are enough for only 1 300 applicants.

The Mayor`s Christmas Cheer Fund assists vulnerable members of the community during the festive season.

Cllr Mguni yesterday handed over groceries, clothes, and hospital materials to Railsten Home, John Smale Children’s Home, Luveve Training School for Girls, Percy Ibbotson, Luveve Remand Home, Emthunzini Wethemba, Entembeni Old People’s Home, Thuthuka, St Francis Children’s Home, Haven Trust and Thorngrove Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The mayor said the fund received over 11 000 applications for help but there is assistance for only 1 300.
He said the Social Welfare Department in Bulawayo has been of great assistance in compiling the list of orphans, the elderly and other vulnerable members of society.

“While the need is high as we received 11 116 applications, we can only provide assistance to 1 300 which is a small fraction of the vulnerable population. It is my hope that the good Lord will continue to touch each and every one of us to give.

Let us also assist the needy members of our society and neighbours during this festive season to share the little that we have,” said Cllr Mguni.

The mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund has so far donated goods worth over $698 000, R65 and US$410 to vulnerable members of society.

The mayor paid tribute to all organisations and institutions that have so far donated to the fund for their generosity in bringing cheer in the city despite prevailing economic conditions.

“The mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund appreciates that we are operating under a harsh economic climate and we appreciate everyone who has donated in both cash and kind,” said Cllr Mguni.

Speaking on behalf of the institutions that received donations, St Francis Children’s Home head, Mr Bhekinkosi Ndlovu commended the mayor’s efforts to bring smiles to vulnerable members of the community.

“We are grateful to the mayor for his generosity and we hope that more people can learn from him and donate to children’s homes.

We are facing a lot of challenges in trying to provide for these vulnerable children because they require special meals and treatment,” said Mr Ndlovu.

Some of the companies and organisations that have contributed to the cheer fund include Fortwell Pvt Ltd, Coghlan and Welsh Legal Practitioners, Bulawayo National Art Gallery, Datlabs, TM Pick n Pay, Women Farmers Association, Holiday Inn, Rainbow Hotel, and various individuals such as Father Lumukani, football coach Cosmas Zulu and radio personality Khayelihle Moyo.