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Courtney Matende Midlands Reporter
THE Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund in Gweru on Friday distributed food vouchers worth $45 000 to different charity organisations and individuals from the city’s 16 wards.

Speaking during the distribution of donations for the 2018 edition of the fund at Gweru Civic Centre, mayor Councillor Josiah Solomon Makombe said the food vouchers were a belated Christmas present.

“I am glad that we have raise about $45 000 for the 2018 Christmas Cheer Fund and we are giving away food vouchers to 600 less privileged people and different charity organisations.

The money was raised through the local authority’s fundraising committee that carried out different initiatives such as a golf tournament and dinner projects,” said Clr Makombe.

He said they had departed from the usual norm of giving the beneficiaries food hampers but gave them vouchers so that they get to choose what they want from OK Supermarket.

“We have since learnt that beneficiaries have different needs and therefore the need to give them food vouchers so that they go and buy what is missing or what is not at their respective places.

‘‘The beneficiaries are from all the 16 wards making up Gweru. Organisations include Narran Centre in Ascot suburb, and Mudavanhu School for physically and mentally challenged pupils in Mkoba 11 suburb, among other organisations,” said Clr Makombe.

He said they could not distribute the vouchers last year since donations were still coming in.

“The donation was meant to be a Christmas present or box to the less privileged but had to be delayed by a month as we were waiting for more donations from individuals and corporates.

‘‘But I must say we are happy in that we have surpassed previous targets by reaching $45 000,” said Clr Makombe.

Chairperson of the organising committee Mr Victor Wasara said the cheer fund had also taken the initiative to pay school fees for identified pupils in need of assistance.

“Every child has the right to education and it is important we educate our children so that they have an educated nation,” he said.