MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-It was all tears for some underprivileged people, after the River Valley Group through it’s subsidiary company S&M Hand of Compassion donated food hampers.
Among the 110 beneficiaries were widows and people with disability drawn from Shurugwi and Gweru districts.
The food hampers had cooking oil, mealie meal, soaps, drinks, toiletries, rice ,sugar, salt among other basic necessities worth thousands of USDs.
The occasion which was graced by chiefs from Gweru and Shurugwi district was part of River Valley group’s corporate social responsibility.
Speaking at the hand over ceremony, the Acting Gweru District Development Coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa commended River Valley group for complimenting government efforts by giving back to the community.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank River Valley group of companies for supporting government initiatives by giving back to the community. You have paid heed to the President’s call that as we move towards the revised vision 2030, we should not leave anyone behind,” he said.
He implored the business community to follow River Valley group footsteps and leave a legacy characterized by honest and dedication to work.
“Let us utilize our local resources to improve the lives of our people as we are witnessing today that one of our own from Gweru is giving back to the local community,” added Mudadigwa.
The group’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Smelly Dube said the donations were aimed at putting a smile on the faces of the less privileged and making them to feel to be part of the mainstream society.
She said the group will next year reach out to more people as it continues to “support the needy with a special focus on the widows, orphans and people with disabilities with the objective of alleviating their burden”.
One of the beneficiaries from Gweru, Belinda Musesengwe who is blind from Mambo Suburb expressed gratitude to the gesture.
“We are very much excited as the goodies are a huge relief to us, since Christmas is almost upon us. This is not the first time that the company has extended a helping hand to us. Dr Dube always teach us to love and empower others at their time of need. She never deviates from this principle,” she Said.
Besides assisting the most vulnerable communities, the company has also assisted more than 200 pastors, war veterans and traditional leaders in the Midlands Province with decent accommodation.
In addition, civil servants have also benefited from the 25 year housing scheme initiated by the company.
Under the stewardship of Dr Dube, River Valley group early this year opened a branch in Scotland, UK.
