The Sunday News
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited Group Covid-19 campaign, which was launched at the end of last month, will target the vulnerable, with contributions accepted in cash and kind.
The country’s largest integrated media house, whose portfolio includes newspaper publishing, commercial printing, broadcasting and online media, is using its wide reach to rally citizens to donate towards the response fund. Running under the theme:
“#TogetherWeStandTogetherWeWin”, the company will also be using its personalities and platforms to co-ordinate donations. The campaign was launched on 31 May. Zimpapers public relations and corporate affairs manager, Ms Beatrice Tonhodzayi said the campaign was targeting those in dire need.
“We want to reach out to the most vulnerable and we have our targets, places like isolation centres where we have groups that are acutely affected like women and children. They really have our interest because they’ve got special needs. So, if we can get things like pampers and sanitary wear it would go a long way in improving their stay there,” she said.
Ms Tonhodzayi said the company hoped the campaign would have a rallying effect on the people of Zimbabwe, who need to come together during trying times.
“We are saying as Zimbabweans, let’s be our own neighbour’s keepers. Let’s look after each other. Imagine, it is winter now and we have to think if people in isolation centres have blankets because it is getting cold.
“We have to think that because of the lockdown restrictions how many people in the informal sector have not been able to go out there and make a living so as to feed themselves. Those are the people that we also have to give our attention,” she said.
Ms Tonhodzayi said those who want to make non-cash contributions were also welcome. She added that the campaign was following the example set by Government, with donations welcome from a cross section of society.
“We should also take note that we are not saying only cash donations count. Anything that people can contribute could do someone out there a world of good. We are complementing Government efforts as well and as you have noticed President Mnangagwa has also been accepting donations from people in various spheres and that’s what we also want to do. All donations are welcome,” she said.
Those who wish to donate can approach Zimpapers offices countrywide. Cash donations can also be deposited into the organisation’s FBC Bank Account 3132517010192 or EcoCash Merchant 019201.
