Published: Thursday, 15 November 2018 10:00
By Lovemore Dube
Moved by the plight of the underprivileged in their communities, a group of six women decided to do more than just look and feel sorry for the disadvantaged and took action to form Reaching Out Charity, a non-profit making body registered in 2016.
Langelihle Sibanda a spokesperson for the group said they felt they had a duty to perform in society. They were touched by the plight of those that they saw around them who needed help in one way or the other.
“It was like a calling that all six of us saw the need to help the community especially those less privileged than the rest. As youths we felt compelled to do something about it and hence we came together and with the aid of four male counterparts Reaching Out was formed,” said Sibanda.
In a situation where the economics of the day are shaped by the politics, Sibanda admits that it has not been smooth sailing.
“It has not been an easy ride at all. The economic side of things has made it difficult for us to carry out our mission, we have however been able to support needy areas,” said Sibanda today.
Sibanda said Reaching Out has donated stationary to children in rural areas, groceries to orphanages in Bulawayo and Harare.
“Qinisani Orphanage and some others in Bulawayo and Harare have been beneficiaries of groceries sourced by ourselves as we seek to bring some cheer to the less fortunate of our society,” said Sibanda.
She said from time to time they engage corporates in Bulawayo asking for donations or invite them to come on board in fundraising.
Among activities they stage to raise money are film shows where they engage the companies asking for slots to raise funds for the community.
“We talk to movie houses from time to time, ask if we could get a day where all proceeds come to us so that we generate cash for charity purposes,” said Sibanda.
They have a permanent Donation Point at Pick and Pay where every Saturday members of the public may donate.
In December they will have a gospel show where big names in the industry are expected to donate their services for charity.
“On 23 December, we will have Gospel Maniacs, Zaza, Elland, Facts Mucha and Mai Mambo performing at Word of Life with all proceeds to go to charity,” said Sibanda.
Reaching Out Charity has Tatenda Mhunga, Nosizo Ncube, Diana Msindo, Thembelihle Sibanda and Langelihle as the female contingent of the organisation with Engelbrecht Karombo, Terell Ncube, Charles Hunyenyiwa and Vincent Khumalo completing the line up.
