The Sunday News
Nohlelo Mlilo, Sunday Life Reporter
MORE Than 500 participants and exhibitors are expected to grace the SOS Day on Saturday (2 July) at Hermann Gmeiner Primary School grounds in Bulawayo for a fundraising event for vulnerable children.
( Photo credit: Getty images)
Every year SOS Children’s Villages , a non-governmental organisation that cares for over 510 vulnerable children in its three villages in Bindura, Waterfalls, and Bulawayo celebrates SOS Day, the birthday of its founder Mr Herman Gmenier.
The entrance fee is USD1 per person and the booking fee for a stand to exhibit is USD15, and USD40 for corporates. Registration for the fun run will be USD5, with relay teams also permitted.
The National Director Mr Addmore Makunura said they were expecting a lot of support from the Bulawayo community including corporates and individuals.
He said he was excited that a son born and raised in Matabeleland and now a renowned artiste and philanthropist, Mr Albert Nyathi is the guest of honour for the event.
Further entertainment will be provided by the music duo, Stango and Nongoma.
“In our endeavours to ensure the Zimbabwean community, corporates and individuals alike come together to support and appreciate the cause of the vulnerable children under our care more so in Bulawayo, we are hosting a fundraising fun run and family day under the theme: As we earn our daily bread let us spare a slice for a vulnerable child.
Our target is to raise USD27 000 towards the purchase of a 15-seater commuter omnibus to carter for transportation of 107 vulnerable children and 69 young people under our care at our Bulawayo Village,” he said.
He went on to say that they were grateful for the support and assistance they got from various organisations to enable them to rescue children in need.
“As we celebrate 39 years of existence in Zimbabwe, we are so grateful for the dedication of corporates, churches, individuals, and the community for the support being rendered to SOS Children’s Villages to enable us to rescue children from oppressive circumstances, and usher them into new opportunities and we continue to call for support,” said Mr Makunura.
The Communications and Local Fundraising Co-ordinator, Patience Chideu, outlined the SOS Family Fun Day objectives.
“By supporting this event the community, corporates and individuals alike will be supporting the vision of building families for children who have lost parental care and those at risk.
Our intention is through stalls and exhibition bookings as well as registering to participate in the fun runs to raise funds for the purchase of the omnibus and we are hoping to also receive donations/ partnerships in cash or in kind, from the Bulawayo business community to support this course,” she said.
She went on to say that the fundraiser is meant to promote family time, wellness both mental and physical, and fun at the same time.
“This event presents a brand with an opportunity to interact with the community bringing Bulawayo together while at the same time appreciating the work SOS Children’s Villages is doing to impact vulnerable children in Zimbabwe.
The fundraiser is meant to promote family time, wellness both mental and physical, and fun all at the same time.
The family fun run and fun day complements our vision of creating families for children without,” she said.
The organisation also noted that the event is more child-centred as there will be face painting, jumping castles and children’s fun runs as well.
SOS Children’s Villages
As part of ploughing back one of the care leavers now a renowned musician, who grew up under the care of the SOS Children’s Villages in Bulawayo will provide entertainment for the day with support from the army band and drum majorettes.
“Our organisation’s ability to continue building families for children without — the abandoned, orphaned, and abused is due in large part to the generous support of corporate and individual donors who believe in our mission,” concluded the statement from SOS Children’s Village.
